Rev. James W. Smith, Jr. (Jim) was appointed pastor of the Vidalia First United Methodist Church by Bishop R. Lawson Bryan in June 2017. Jim is married to Diane D. Smith and they have two grown children, Shanna Tanner (married to Dan Danner) and James-Michael Smith, and three grandchildren, Davis, Cole and Natalie. Jim has previously served churches in Savannah, Pooler, Macon, St Simons, Americus and Thomasville.

Originally from Reidsville, Rev.Smith holds degrees from LaGrange College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

In his free time, Jim enjoys working out with weights, walking, reading, working crossword puzzles, and trying to learn how to hit a golf ball and play golf.