James Parrish Smith serves as the Director of Music and Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Dillard University and the Master of Music from Samford University.

He has served in musical leadership in prominent churches in Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama, most recently serving the historic Third Baptist Church of San Francisco where he was Director of Music and Organist and Founding Director of the Bridge to Arts and Music Program in association with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

James Parrish Smith also served as organist at Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida, and Miles College, Birmingham, Alabama.

James Parrish Smith is an active organ recitalist and choral director. Recently he was honored to play the world famous Mormon Tabernacle organ in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has also performed in the presence of President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama.

James Parrish Smith is past Dean of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.