James Robert Smoot, affectionately known as Duke, was born in LaPlata, Maryland on August 26, 1950. He was one of eleven children born to Hazel and the late Joseph Smoot.

Duke attended and graduated from LaPlata High School in 1969. While in High School he played basketball and worked at the old IGA Grocery Store. After graduating, he was employed by Berreta for a short time but ultimately gained employment with the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission (WSSC) where he retired after 30 years of service. Duke was a parishner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, La Plata, MD.

He enjoyed watching basketball, golf and football. He also enjoyed listening to the "Oldies but Goodies," the sounds of his youth, playing cards and landscaping. Duke was a big jokester and was known for teasing his family especially his nieces and nephews. He was also a very outspoken man never afraid to speak what was on his mind!

Duke was the father of three children, Vincent Johnson, Queena and Totoinon. He also had a step-daughter, Lavice. One of his biggest accomplishments was raising his daughter, Queena in a single parent home. He did, however, have some help from his supportive family. While all of his family was important to him, he was most proud of his granddaughter, Mercedes (Dawn). He treasured the time spent with his mother, and his brothers and sisters. Duke always enjoyed family gatherings especially the many birthday celebrations and Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

On Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the Fort Washington Hospital, in Fort Washington, MD, James Robert Smoot, was taken from this earthly life and entered eternal life. He has joined his family who preceded him in death including his father, Joseph, and siblings, Mary Anna, Margaret, and Joe Louis Smoot.

He will always be remembered as being a caring and loving, father, grandfather, son and brother.

In addition to his mother, Hazel and children, left to cherish his memory and mourn his passing are grandchildren, sisters, Harriett Rolland, Jerline Smoot, Sarah Whitaker, Shirley Chase, and Carolyn Woodland, brothers, John and Thomas Smoot, sister-in-law, Shirley, brothers-in-law, Maurice Rolland and Kleston Whitaker, uncle, Francis Collins, special friend, Mary Ball and a host of other relatives and friends.

His viewing will take place on Saturday, October 17th, 8:30am – 9:30am. Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPlata, MD. Interment Church Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, MD.