James Quinton Smith was born in Montgomery, May 12, 1881, son of Judge James Q. and Marie Louise (Fair) Smith; and grandson of Gen. E. Y. Fair, of Montgomery and Autauga counties. Judge Smith was a native of Ireland, a lawyer and circuit judge.

J.Q. Smith was educated in the public and private schools of Montgomery, at the Marion Institute and the University of Alabama, where he graduated LL.B. 1900. He was a lawyer and entered into the practice in Birmingham. From 1903 to 1911 he was city prosecutor of Birmingham, and retired from that position when the commission form of government was established. He served 12 years in the Alabama National Guard, 1902-1914, retiring with the rank of major of artillery. He entered upon his duties of Attorney General, January 11, 1920.

General Smith was a Democrat, Episcopalian, and a member of the Sigma Nu college fraternity. He was united in marraige in Birmingham to Erline, daughter of Judge M.H. and Sallie J. (Goodrich) Crittenden, of that place.

James Q. Smith died on February 17, 1947.