James E. Smith

1938 - 2021

James E. Smith

James E. Smith, 82, of Fishersville, Va., passed away on February 10, 2021. Jim was born on October 10, 1938, in Martinsville, Va., the son of Ed and Elizabeth Smith, both deceased.

Jim enjoyed surf and trout fishing, birdwatching, camping, golf and world travel (50 states, 7 continents and 73 countries). He wrote many humorous poems and songs to perform with his banjo. He also sang in various classical choirs, played couples duplicate bridge, volunteered as Little League umpire and do-si-doed with the Circle Eight Plus and Team A Square Dance Clubs. Jim was a Martinsville High School 1956 alumni and proud Hokie who graduated with a BS in Engineering from Virginia Tech , where he was First Lieutenant in the Highty-Tighties Marching Band.

In 1960, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Diane Lester, and called to duty at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. After three years of service, he began his 40-year mechanical engineering career with DuPont, rising to Research Associate before retiring in 2001.

Jimmie, as he is known by his adoring family, is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane of Fishersville, Va.; brother, Frank Smith (Jenny) of Sandy Hook, Va.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Lawrence (Earl) of Rocky Mount, Va.; daughter, Lori Smith Manning (Ken) of St. Augustine, Fla.; son, Kevin Smith (Monica) of Hampton, Va.; four grandchildren, Colton Manning, Grant Manning, Brooke Smith and Hayden Smith; and 14 nieces and nephews.

A small graveside service for family and close friends will be held at Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville, Va., on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 11 a.m.

Honorary donations to the Wildlife Center of Virginia are welcome in Jim's memory.