The Shadow
James “Cheeze” Robert Smith Jr.
James “Cheeze” Robert Smith Jr., 74, of Covington, gained his racing wings to heaven on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Cheeze attended Watson High School in Covington. He continued his education in various trade schools to become a mechanic and an auctioneer. Following his retirement from Columbia Gas company he dedicated his time by giving back to his community and having the need for speed on the racetrack. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Virginia Carter (mother) and James Smith (father). He was born on January 17,1950 in the heart of Detroit, Michigan.
He leaves to cherish his memory three sons, Mark A. Hunter (Anisha), Shaun C. Smith, Sr. (Ashley), and Irving “Nat” Smith (Khristi); his oldest sister on his mother’s side, Mable “Winnie” Cattling, Penny Carter, and brother David Penn; nieces Tonya Penn, Robertnette Moore, Karen Cattling; Jeanette Barber; nephews, Jimmie Cattling, William Barber; his significant other, Margaret H. Burks and her three children; Erika Hunter, Kendra Smith, Robert Burks; eight grandchildren, Ariana Beverly, D’Era Williams, Travon Hunter-Shelton, T’era Hunter-Shelton, Shaun Smith Jr., Dailynn James Smith, Mark Hunter II and Imani Smith; eight bonus family members, Ryan Hunter, LaShonda Ochieng, Quinton Hunter, Amiah Hunter, Zyaire Smith, London Smith, DeAndre Burks, SaNika Allen; four great-grandchildren, Trinity and Serenity Taylor, Jah’Meer Williams and Zai’Veon Gamble; seven bonus great- grandchildren, Makeena McLear, Aluka and Zander Ochieng, Anayiah Hunter, Naomi, Zane and Zayden Burks; with an additional of 35 great nieces and nephews and 23 great-great nieces and nephews, all from Rochester, New York, except Jeanette Barber (Roanoke); a first cousin, T.L. Dickerson of Covington; and a goddaughter, Ja’Vonne Lewis of Roanoke.
He was always doing things to help the community in any capacity and was affectionally known as “Cheeze Clause” during the Christmas season. He had a wonderful singing voice and his testimony song was “MAY THE WORK I’VE DONE SPEAK FOR ME” by Just Keith and Evelyn. He was an active member of P.S.B.C., serving as the director of the Men’s chorus, assisting in directing the Combined choirs of the church, a member of
the Men’s Fellowship and enjoyed singing with the Resurrecting Praise Community Choir. Every weekend you could either find him under the hood of his race car or at one of his favorite racing tracks “Eastside Dragway or Natural Bridge Dragway”. His true love was drag racing and he spent most of his time in his1957 Chevy Bel Air, one of the fastest accelerating vehicles known on the tracks. Being able to burn rubber on the
racetrack brought joy to him. He’s a part of the Alleghany Cruisers so everyone knew when the “Bat Out of Hell” was coming down the street. The “Bat Out of Hell” was his most prized possession and he spent so much time getting his car to look as it does now.
When Cheeze wasn’t burning rubber out on the racetrack, he thoroughly enjoyed hunting alone or with his grandkids. This had been an interest of his since he was a child. No matter where he was or where he went, he wasn’t afraid to meet new people, he embraced everyone who crossed him. He had so many people that looked up to him from all ages. He will be greatly missed and there’s no one who can ever replace him.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM in Curfman Hall at the Covington Middle School with Rev. Frances W. Stewart officiating and Rev. Gregory Scott preaching the eulogy.
Following the service and in accordance with his wishes, his body will be cremated.
The family will receive their friends on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Arritt Funeral Home from 7:00 – 8:30 PM.
Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com
