James “Trey” Roy Smith, III

James “Trey” Roy Smith, III, 24, passed away April 12th, 2026. James was born in Wheat Ridge, CO on June 29, 2001 and was the son of Christie Hayden and James Smith, Jr.

James graduated from Klein Collins High School in Spring, TX in 2019, and was attending West Virginia University where he was preparing to receive his degree this May in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Business Administration. He was employed as a technician at The Ranch Quick Lube in Morgantown, WV.

James will be remembered for his kind heart, easy-going nature, and the way he made people feel comfortable the moment they met him. He had a natural ability to make others laugh and was someone people genuinely enjoyed being around. Many of the messages shared by those that knew him speak to his deep sense of friendship, his loyalty, and the way he was a positive bright light in the lives of others. James was also incredibly intelligent, with a naturally curious mind and a talent for understanding how things work and going down a very long rabbit hole if he couldn’t understand it. He had a passion for building things with the ultimate goal of designing cars for F1. He built his motorcycle himself, and despite this outcome, riding was one of his passions and he died doing what he loved.

James was a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, Fly Eagles Fly, had a deep love for cars and motorcycles, and enjoyed spending time playing video games and listening to music, especially Juice WRLD and Kanye West. He loved to travel and experience new cultures, food, and had a very adventurous spirit. At home, he adored his two cats Juice and Dior, who were a big part of his life.

James found a special kind of happiness with his girlfriend, Gini, and his family is grateful that he experienced a love like that. Above all, he valued time with family and friends and found meaning in the simple, everyday moments spent with the people he loved. Those closest to him will forever cherish the memories, laughter, and love he brought into their lives.

James is survived by his mother, Christie Hayden, his father, James Smith Jr. and his wife Kristen; siblings, Terrell Smith, Jalyn Hayden, Samuel Smith, King Smith, Rowan Robbins, Karell Brocket, and Empress Smith; maternal and paternal grandparents, Kathy Hayden (step-grandfather Mike Panning), Corine Pugh, and Tom Hayden Sr. and his wife Shirley; uncle Tom Hayden, Jr. and his wife aunt Denice, and many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, James Roy Smith, Sr.

Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St, Morgantown on Thursday April 16th from 5PM-8PM.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.