James H. "Maurice" Smart, of Rockford departed this earthly life November 26, 2021. He was born October 19, 1941 in Durant, MS the son of Thomas and Idell Smart.  James lived in Rockford since 1967 coming from Mississippi. He married the former Gloria Peppers December  of 1994 in Rockford. James was employed as a machine operator by Gates Rubber Company many years before retiring. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War. James was a member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church serving as a trustee and head of the finance office. He graduated from Durant Attendance Center and Okolona Community College.

James leaves to cherish many loving memories, his devoted wife, Gloria Smart; sons, James Smart Jr., Orlando Smart, Kelvin Peppers, Patrick (Veronica) Peppers, Kenneth (Tracey) Ellis , Jamie and Gerald Smart; daughters Rachel (Bola) Fadairo, Debra (Otha) Haymon and Rita Hudson; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, McKinley (Flora) Smart; three sisters, Annie Anthony, Betty Payne and Sue (Adam) Herron; a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, T.J. Smart and Henry Smart; sisters, Geneva Davis, Magnolia Bell, Ida Mae Grove, Lou Ada Jarrett, Dorothy Joseph and Inez McGrone.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston  Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.