James Eric "Smiley" Shorter was born April 21st, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan to James Jr. and Clara Shorter. The second eldest of four siblings. Although not the oldest in birthright James was often recognized as the oldest and was decidedly protective of all his siblings. They had an unbreakable bond which allowed him to develop close relationships with all his nieces and nephews. Raised on the northwest side of Detroit, James graduated from Henry Ford high school where his lively and outgoing personality gained him tons of lifelong friends. James was a huge fan of wrestling, he enjoyed being social and hanging out with friends and family, and dancing to his favorite artist Michael Jackson. While attending Henry Ford high school, he was invited to a house party where he was introduced to his high school sweetheart, Tonya Nelson. James and Tonya wed in 1980, and into this union his first child Shareese was born. He spent his young adult years in South Dakota on Ells Worth Missile Base in service to his country with the U.S. Air Force. After being honorably discharged he returned to Detroit where he later remarried in 1991 to Lenora Shorter and into that union his second child Crystal was born. He continued the first 27 years of his career with General Motors at the Warren Assembly Plant, while running his own company, Angels Transportation, driving sick and elderly patients to their medical appointments. James inherited this company from his father so he took great pride in being able to provide this service. After 27 years on the job with GM in Detroit, James made the decision to move to the great state of Texas. He planned to retire upon his 30th anniversary, but if any one knows James his famous line was: "I think I'm going to do one more year before I retire", which led to him successfully completing a total of 40 years of service to General Motors at the Arlington Assembly Plant. After spending a few years enjoying the Dallas lifestyle in 2013 he met a beautiful woman named Mimi whom he wed in March of 2018. He spent his last years in the company of his loving wife doing what he does best: hosting backyard BBQs, shopping, interior design, attending wrestling matches and football games, while dancing and singing karaoke. James was a wonderful father and had such a giving spirit! He was full of life and had a big huge heart. He loved his friends and family dearly and had an unbreakable bond with his daughters. On November 26th, James life was cut short due to complications from open heart surgery. He was survived by his wife Mimi Shorter, parents James Jr. and Clara Shorter, siblings Yvonne Shorter-Noel (Thomas Noel), Bryan Keith Shorter, and Cynthia Shorter-Bowman (Dennis Bowman), children Shareese Shorter and Crystal Shorter, and step-children Darrell Johnson, Courtney Johnson, and Hope Johnson. He was taken from us too soon, but his style, his smile, and overall presence will stay with us forever.