James Smith, son of Samuel and Louise Smith, recently received the 2017 Nancy Chambless Service Award for his dedicated work with the Visitation program for over 30 years.
James grew up in Yazoo City. He earned a BA in Mathematics with a Minor in Chemistry at Mississippi Valley State University. He worked at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in 1975 as their first African-American solar scientist.
James started volunteering as a driver for Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. Later he began supporting and mentoring young women in need. He continued this support for many years to those women, their children, and many more children after that.
So far James has mentored or supported the lives of over 500 kids and their families. James feels joyous and wonderful for the big part he played in their lives, and will continue his support and dedication for years to come.
