Charlottesville, Virginia
James "Jimmy" Hartwell Smith
James "Jimmy" Hartwell Smith, 68, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed to a greater life on Sunday, October 21, 2012. Jimmy, born on January 27, 1944, was the youngest of five children of the late Lewis Hartwell and Sarah Catherine Krantz Smith. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, D. S. Morris Jr. and Rupert M. Owens; as well as nieces' husbands, Patrick Mawyer Jr. and Robin Moore. Jimmy is survived by one brother, the Reverend Cecil Smith and wife, Sharon of Beckley, West Virginia, and their children, Cindy Henderson (children, Bryan and Shea), Terry Moore, and Evan Smith; sister, Frances Morris and her children, Kathryn Mawyer (children, Sara and Cameron), Daniel "Danny" Morris III and wife, Jane, (daughter, Shelley Brubeck, husband John, and children Brittany, Rebekah, Peter, Benjamin, Abigail and Abraham), Elizabeth "Beth" Perkins and her friend, Jim Miller (children, Sean, Laura, and Andrew); sister, Doris "Dot" Wood and her husband, Earl, and son, E. Edward "Eddie" Wood (son, Peyton); and sister, Patricia "Patsy" Owens Jones and her husband, Vernon "Bill" Jones Jr.
In addition to his family, Jimmy leaves special friends, Kim Varin and his wife, Linda, Penny Ray, and Edmund "Lee" Ward. Jimmy was a loving and attentive son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. He loved people, treating all the same. After retirement, he enjoyed daily visiting the downtown mall. Rarely did he miss the Saturday morning Farmers Market where he "collected" many hugs along with the treats he enjoyed. Jimmy started working at an early age, doing numerous part-time jobs along with employment for seven years at the then downtown Red Cross building. In 1964, he began his career at the Jefferson Madison Regional Library, where he devoted himself to keeping the building in operation. He retired in the year 2000, but continued taking care of the book drop and faithfully opened the library for Congregation Beth Israel's Sunday morning Religious School classes.
The family extends special thanks to Donna Lydon for her daily pastoral visits during Jimmy's most recent residential care and hospitalization. Also, for their skilled and compassionate medical care, a special thanks to Dr. James Bergin of UVA Cardiology and his team, especially Dr. Jamie Kennedy and RN NP Craig Thomas, and to all the nurses and staff on 4 Central at UVA Medical Center. In addition, they appreciate his long-time primary care physician Dr. J. Devon Lowdon of Internal Medicine LTD, and the staff of Martha Jefferson Hospital. Finally, they wish to commend the work of the Hospice of the Piedmont, whose Hospice House staff helped ease Jimmy's transition to eternal life as well as guiding the family as he did so.
The family will greet friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2012, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted by the Reverend Cecil Smith and Pastor Jim Thornton at 1 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2012, at Ivy Creek United Methodist Church, 674 Woodlands Road, with burial following at Holly Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in Jimmy's memory to Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 31, Free Union, VA 22940 or Ivy Creek United Methodist Church, 674 Woodlands Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
We were so sad to hear that James passed. So thankful that we had the opportunity to get to know him. We will never forget how kind he was to Glen and all of our family during Glen's stay at the Charlottesville Rehab center.
Glen and Doris Richards
November 02, 2012 | Ruckersville, VA
Like Dad just finished saying in his tribute and message, I felt like Uncle Jimmy was just playing a practical joke and at any minute he would show up with his jolly laugh and dancing his famous little jig. Then, as my sister Terry went up to share more memories, I thought about how he carried all those keys for the different buildings he took care of for his jobs. A couple of times with jobs I've had in the past, I've ended up in charge of lots of keys hanging on my belt and I was so proud...
Evan Smith
October 28, 2012 | Hendersonville, NC
One of my earliest memories is waiting at the gate for Uncle Jimmy to come stay with us while mom & dad were out. I remember my sister, brother & I sleeping on the floor at his & GG's apartment on Altamont...they would talk to each other in their sleep...a language only they understood. Jimmy was famous for his phone calls on your birthday, always using funny names & voices to try to disguise that oh so familiar Virginia accent. Won't forget all the keys he carried for work, his love of the...
Cindy Henderson
October 28, 2012 | Safety Harbor, FL
Jimmy will be greatly missed at the City Market. I have missed him this summer. He was always one of my favorite people to see on a Saturday morning. I could always count on a "Good Morning!!" and a hug. And many times, he was the only one who sent me a birthday or Christmas card in time! Jimmy, Peace to you my friend. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. But that wonderful smile will live on in my heart. Godspeed.
Cyane Williams
October 25, 2012 | Charlottesville, VA
Kathryn and family,
My heart grieves with you in the passing of Jimmy. He was a dear dear man. I had no idea that Jimmy was your brother. Jimmy and I go way back...around 1978, when I was an Extension Agent with the County and City. In anticipation of our leaving the basement of the Post Office, Jimmy would come over and take care of things....whatever needed to be done. What a wonderful man. He will surely be missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
Elly Tucker
October 25, 2012 | Charlottesville, VA
Very sad to hear of Jimmy's passing. It was always a treat to run into him at work or on the mall. His cheerful presence downtown will be missed.
Bill Davis
October 25, 2012 | Charlottesville
I had a lot of pleasant talks with Jim at the library and on the Downtown Mall when I worked in that area. He was unfailingly upbeat and had something interesting or funny to say. My wife Adella and I will miss seeing him and talking with him, and we send our sympathy to the family.
Chuck and Adella Langham
October 24, 2012 | Charlottesville, VA
To the Family of Jimmy Smith,
I was quite shocked and sad to hear of Jimmy's death. Jimmy was such a kind and friendly man who never forgot birthdays. I first met Jimmy when I worked for Dr. Starkey and then would see him on the Downtown Mall or at the City Market. Jimmy will be missed by all who knew him.
Mae DeLong
October 24, 2012 | Troy, VA
Jimmy was always such a sweet man and had the knack of remembering everyone's birthday. May all of the family find peace in your memories of him. He will be missed.
Kelley C. Walton
October 24, 2012 | Stanardsville, VA
