James Kennedy "Jim" Smith

James Smith WHITMIRE - James "Jim" Kennedy Smith, 75, of Whitmire, died Sunday, October 2, 2016. Born October 17, 1940, in St. Matthews, he was a son of Bessie Aultman Smith of St. Matthews and the late Bunnie C. Smith. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and had retired as a foreman with Eagle Construction Company where he paved mini-a-mile in South Carolina. He was a member of the NRA. He was known around the town of Whitmire as "Cowboy" because he always wore a pair of cowboy boots and his cowboy hat. He enjoyed farming and raising a garden. After his retirement, he spent most of his time with his wife taking care of their son. He was known as "Kenny" by his family and, in addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Mary Crosby Smith; children, Sherman "Lonnie" Riffey (Paula), Johnny Riffey (Peggy), Tracy Smith Pugh (Timothy), and Todd Smith, all of Whitmire; grandchildren, Johnny Riffey, Shelby Riffey, Kaitlin Varner Holbert, Heather Varner and Trey Martin; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Charlotte Smith Shealy (C.E.) of Irmo, and Wayne Smith (Susan) of St. Matthews; and five nieces and their spouse. Beside his father, he was predeceased by his grandson, Joshua Riffey. There will be a family gathering on the family farm at a later date. The family will be at his residence, 123 Wilkerson Road, Whitmire. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.