Dr. James Matthew Godwin III

James M. Jimbo Godwin, III, of Bluefield, passed on September 26, 2025 after a brief illness. He was 71 years old.
Jimbo was born October 15, 1953, and was the third child of Jim and Alice Godwin of Bluefield. He was a graduate of McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN in 1971, after which time he attended Furman University in Greenville, SC where he met his beloved wife, Sue. After a short time back in Bluefield, he went on to complete graduate studies in dentistry at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry.
Jimbo and Sue returned to Bluefield where they raised two sons, Matthew and Stuart. Jimbo practiced dentistry for more than 40 years and retired only shortly before his passing. He was active at First Presbyterian Church of Bluefield where he served as an elder and sang in the choir. He loved being active, whether playing racquetball or basketball or gardening at his home with Sue.
Jimbo is survived by his sons as well as his daughter-in-law Lauren Godwin of Morgantown, WV and two granddaughters, Cora and Brooke, the younger of whom he welcomed just a week before his passing. He is also survived by his eldest sister Ann Gwathmey of Norfolk, VA and her family, as well as his brother-in-law Steve Wicks, of Virginia Beach, VA and his family.
After Sues passing in 2019, Jimbo received incredible support from his church community, many close friends, and his coworkers Inge and Pam.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sue, his parents Jim and Alice, his sister Alice Wicks, as well as his niece, Sara Gwathmey.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on October 11, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Bluefield. A short reception for family and close friends will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of any gifts or flowers, the family requests that those who wish to commemorate Jimbo donate to First Presbyterian Church or to their church home in his honor.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover (304-292-9494) is providing compassionate professional services to the family.
Condolences and other gifts of comfort may be offered at www.smithfcc.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dr. James Matthew Godwin, III, please visit our Tree Store.