James Earl Oliver “Smookie”, 66, of Sebring, FL died Monday afternoon July 5, 2010 at St. Cloud Regional Medical Center after a heroic battle with cancer. A native of Highlands County, James was born on September 23, 1943. He retired from the Sprint Telephone Company after many years of service. He was a member of the Venus Baptist Church in Venus, FL. James was an avid fisherman, golfer and loved team rope with his buddies and brother, country was his way of life. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mr. Oliver was preceded in death by his parents and he is survived by his only loving daughter, Kimberly Hall, two granddaughters; Danielle Green (Joey) of Braselton, GA, and Amanda Hall of Sebring, FL, two great granddaughters; Addison Montana and Avery Dakota Green, his brother; Wayne Oliver (Judy), his sister; Sylvia Bennefield (Revis), a niece; Marty Mielke, two nephews; Gary Bennefield (Michelle) and Greg Bennefield along with their children. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday July 8th at the Scott Funeral Home 504 W. Interlake Blvd., Lake Placid. A service celebrating James “Smookie’s life will be held at the Venus Baptist Church 16 Church Drive Venus, FL on Friday July 9th, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Joe Parrish celebrating. Burial will follow at the Venus Cemetery. A visitation and fellowship will be held at the church hall after the services.