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Official Obituary of

James Edwin Smith

October 10, 1938 ~ February 10, 2021 (age 82) 82 Years Old

James Edwin Smith Obituary

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

Jim thoroughly enjoyed surf and trout fishing, world travel, birdwatching, camping, golf and was a faithful follower of his Hokies. He wrote many humorous skits, poems and songs to perform with his banjo. Jim was a Martinsville High School 1956 alumni and graduated with a BS in Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he was First Lieutenant in the Highty-Tighties Marching Band.

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

Over their 60 years of marriage, Jim and Diane traveled extensively. They visited all 50 US States, all 10 Canadian Provinces and 3 territories, 7 continents, and 73 countries, enjoying history, wildlife, and both natural and man-made wonders all over the world.

In addition to work and travel, Jim 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.

Jimmie, as he is known by his adoring family, is survived by his wife, Diane; 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, FL; son Kevin Smith (Monica) of Hampton, VA; four grandchildren: Colton Manning, Grant Manning, Brooke Smith and Hayden Smith and 14 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Everett Lester and his wife (Peggy).

There will be a small graveside service for family members and close friends at Roselawn Cemetery in Martinsville, VA on Saturday, February 20 at 11am. Honorary donations to the Wildlife Center of Virginia are welcome in Jimmie's memory.

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