James Paul Dorsey

James P. Dorsey, 78, of Rupert, passed away peacefully at the Peyton Hospice House on Thursday, November 5, 2025, after suffering an acute stroke. He was born on May 11, 1947, to the late Lemon and Emogene (Jacob) Dorsey at Crawley, WV.
Jim started his life out on a path that didn't exactly lead him to heaven. Once he found the love of the Lord, he lived to serve God and make sure those around him understood what it took to live the life of eternal salvation promised by the word of God.
Anyone who ever encountered him knew the "darn Dorsey pride" was abound with Jim. Jim took time to show everyone he cared. He was the patron saint for the underdog. His love of his family was second only to his love of Christ. There was not a child or someone in distress that Jim didn't go above and beyond to try to help.
Jim worked as a foreman for Great Lakes Carbon until he suffered from a horrendous accident and the doctors said he would never walk again. Against all odds, he overcame that injury only to move on to help take care of his dad who had cancer. After his dad died, he went back to work managing one of This Country's Best Yogurt (TCBY) stores. Excelling at cutting loss, showing exemplary management skills, and profits for which he was awarded many honors and awards.
Before and after his time in South Carolina, he worked for Don Smathers Funeral Chapel. He delivered many babies during his ambulance driver duties. He and the Smathers Family had close bonds that were ever apparent when he came back and went back to work for Monica. When the Smathers family passed operations to the Copenhaver family, Jim was naturally part of the deal. He refused to not work even when we begged him to take time off. Jim was one of the most loyal members of our team, not only to our business, but to our families.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson James Michael Dorsey, his son John Gilbert Dorsey, and his sisters Mary Ann and Charlene (everyone knew her as Sis).
Those left with the loss of love in their hearts, but fondest of memories in their minds are his son Jimmy Lee Dorsey (Cheryl), Jeff Dorsey (Amy), daughter Michelle; brothers Toby Dorsey (Joan), Walter (Shirley), Hobert (Carmen), Denzel Dorsey (Sara); sisters Marlene Dorsey, and Donna Hill; grandsons Darron Ray Richards, Matthew Richards, Jeffery Dorsey; granddaughter Kayla Dorsey; great granddaughter Sophia Richards; his forty-year friend Louise Cavallaro, her children Angie, Jerry, grandson Vinny, the Smathers and Copenhaver families, and a host of extended friends, neighbors and relatives.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 11:00am until 12:00pm at Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle. A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00pm at the Wallace Memorial Cemetery Clintonville.
Our hearts are heavy, our tears are many, and the blessing of time we had with "Uncle Jimmy" will not be forgotten. He was a valued member of our team and our family. We loved him dearly – TLC.
Online condolences may be made at www.smathersfuneralchapelinc.com