James Elliott Laird, 89, a resident of Smithdale, MS passed away on September 6, 2025. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 9:00 AM until services at 11:00 AM at Hartman Jones Funeral Home in McComb. Dr. David Millican will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Baptist Church Smithdale. Hartman Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James was born on March 23, 1936 to Ottis Laird and Alice Williams Laird. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church Smithdale. He was a United States Army Veteran.  He ran and operated Laird Body Shop for over 20 years. James spent time farming, especially cattle, restoring cars and with his family.  He loved his meals at the Golden Corral and attending Sunday school with his Calvary friends.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joy Wells Laird of Smithdale, a son Greg Laird (Suzanne) of Jackson, MS, a daughter Gina Laird Alford (Gary) of Lake Ozark, MO, grandchildren Megan Brown (Blake) and Will Laird, two great grandchildren Maddie Brown and Mary Blake Brown, along with other relatives and friends.