James Carroll Smith

1934 - 2024

JAMES CARROLL SMITH, "JIM," 90 of Big Chimney / Elkview, WV, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, September 16, 2024, surrounded by his children. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.V. and Beulah Caldwell Smith, his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara Witt Smith, his brother, Glenn W. "Bill" Smith, and his son-in-law, John Garvalia.
Jim was born on April 29, 1934, in Charleston, WV. He was a graduate of Elkview High School and Morris Harvey College and then went on to serve in the WV Air National Guard.
A life-long resident of the Elk River community, Jim was instrumental in its business growth and development through the years. He and brother Bill went into business together as partners in 1955 which started with the rebuilding and operation of the original Smith's Super Market owned by their father in Big Chimney, WV. Their business ventures expanded in the local community and throughout the state over the years and included O.V. Smith & Sons of Big Chimney, Inc., the family commercial real estate development company, and O.V. Smith & Sons, Inc, the family retail operations company that included grocery/supermarket, hardware, furniture / appliance, and carpet stores. Independently, Jim had various other business ventures and partnerships.
An accomplished business man with an entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community, Jim was appointed to various leadership/advisor positions for numerous organizations some of which were the Kanawha County Building Commission (Commissioner), WV Department of Natural Resources (Commissioner), Elk National Bank (Founder and Director), One Valley Bank (Director), Kanawha County Ambulance Authority, Elk Valley PSD, Kanawha County Library Board and, the Laurance Jones Childhood Language Center.
Family was very important to Jim and he delighted in seeing everyone together. Despite his demanding business commitments and internal drive to avoid "loafing," he found the time to relax and enjoy his many interests and hobbies. He was an avid hunter and also enjoyed his Alaska and Louisiana fishing trips. He also looked forward to motorcycle rides through the WV terrain with his son and friends and showing his red 1954 Chevrolet pick-up truck in his later years. Jim had a love for auctions and even obtained his auctioneer license.
Jim found peace and tranquility while riding his tractor and mowing the fields on his various properties, feeling "instant gratification" of the work that was done when looking back over his shoulder. Jim was the true definition of grit, determination, and hard work. Those who knew him well often heard him saying, "Nothing worthwhile comes easy, if it did everyone would have it." and "You have to take chances."
Jim was a member of Clendenin Masonic Lodge #126, Beni Kedem Shrine, and the Royal Order of Jesters. He was honored to be a Scottish Rite 33rd Degree Mason.
Jim is survived by his devoted children: Jamie of Elkview, WV, Maria (Elio) of Englefield Green, England, George (Trina) of Elkview, WV, and Anita of Bonita Springs, FL; grandchildren: DJ (Bethany), Breana (Jay), Arianna (George), Alberto, Riccardo, Lorenzo,
Claire, Elle, Grace and Ava; great-grandchildren: Reagan, Theo, Martin, Clark, and Demaris. He is also survived by a nephew and several nieces.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Sept. 23rd, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Elkview Baptist Church, where he attended with his wife Barbara, located at 1150 Main Street, Elkview. A private family graveside service with Masonic Rites is planned and a Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Jim's honor may be made to either the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607, or the Laurance Jones, III Childhood Language Center, 1313 Quarrier Street, Suite A, Charleston, WV 25301.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all who provided assistance to Jim over the last few years including Colene Jarrett and other numerous wonderful friends, caregivers from Visiting Angels, staff at the Arthur B. Hodges Center and, his physicians.
All who knew Jim would have to agree that the Lord threw away the mold when he was born. Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview.