James Earl Smothers "Prince Semaj"

Mr. James Earl Smothers known as “Prince Semaj” passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at St. Mary’s of Michigan-Saginaw. Age 26 years. He was born July 21, 1991 in Saginaw, Michigan to Sandra Primm and James Gunn.

James, also known as “Baby James”, grew up in Saginaw, Michigan and received his education in Saginaw Pubic Schools, attending Saginaw High School. He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Alfred L. Harris, Jr. James was employed by Meijer. He enjoyed spending time with his children, dancing, taking pictures, and joking around. James loved to tease everybody. He was loved by all who knew him well and we say, “Prince Semaj, keep your head up!”

He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, London Smothers and A’miyah Smothers, Saginaw, Michigan; his parents, Sandra Primm and James Gunn; step-father, Derrick Primm; one sister, Shardai Smothers; one brother, Courtney Smothers; grandmother, Cheryl Darby; great-grandmother, Margie Noel; two nieces, Makayla Mims and Camille Smothers; one nephew, Carmello Smothers; seven aunts, Debry Davis, Sarah K. Jenkins, Sarah C. Jenkins, Devonda Smothers, Claudia Darby, Ebony Darby, and Clotes Smothers, AKA “His Big Girl”; six uncles, J.C. Smothers, Melvin Smothers, Tommy Smothers, David Smothers, Terrance Darby, and Eric Gunn; many cousins, many other relatives and friends; special friend, Edd Roberson; mother of his children, Miesha Morgan; special cousins, Que, Oni, Blakes, Quanie, and Pooh; and a very special friend, De’Zandera Hamilton.

James was preceded in death by his great-great-grandmothers, Annie Simpson and Minnie L. Atkins; grandmother, Ruthie Mae Smothers; grandfather, James Smothers; two uncles, Robert Smothers and Jerry Smothers, five cousins, Jerry Hamilton, Deleon Brown, DeQuavious Southward, Daniel Smothers, and Marcell Darby.

The family would like to express special thanks to Pastor Harris and New Mount Calvary Baptist Church family; friends and family, Ivan E. Phillips and the staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel for your support during our time of bereavement.