James (Jim) Paul Smith died Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury (SVWC) in Winchester, VA where he had been a resident since 2014.

Born in Clinton, TN to the late Arbie and Stella Smith, he was also predeceased by three older brothers, Arbie, Jr.; Clyde and Charles and three older sisters, Genevieve Brown, Edith Bush, and Larue Eisenhower plus a few nieces and nephews. He is survived there by numerous nieces and nephews.

Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy. While serving his first duty in Scotland, he married Scottish lass, Theresa Walker Smith in 1965. His 24-year Naval career duty tours included Edsall, Scotland (twice); Adak, AK; Guam; Winter Harbor, MA (twice); Todendorf, GE; Diego Garcia, BIOT; Puerto Rico; plus, short tours in San Diego, CA and Great Lakes, IL for schooling.

Retiring as Chief Petty Officer in 1983, he was a Cryptological Technician (Maintenance). Following his military career, he and Theresa settled in Alexandria, VA where he earned a BS in Technology and Management with minor in Physics from University of MD, University College and worked for several companies providing program and logistical management support to various Naval contracts. He commenced a civil service career and retired from the Department of Army in 2003.

Sadly, in May 1994, Theresa preceded her husband in death. In Scotland he is also predeceased by several sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He is survived in Scotland by special niece, Karen Dorward and many other nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law, Ness Cleary.

In 1996 he married JoEllen Fulk Smith and became stepfather to Kimberly and Christopher DuBreuil and grandfather to Justin. Later Edward and Jamie (his namesake) were born giving him three grandchildren whom he spoiled while they spent most of their childhood years with their “Pepaw” and Grandma.

Jim is survived by wife, JoEllen, stepdaughter Kimberly Duff, and grandchildren Justin, Edward and Jamie Duff, sisters and brothers-in-law Wilda and Ben Kruzinski; Daniel and April Fulk; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepson Christopher DuBreuil in 1997.

Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church in Winchester, VA. His pastor, Rev. Sean Devolites will officiate assisted by Rev. Dr. Edward Garrett.

A memorial service will be held at Omps Funeral Home, 1600 Amherst St. on Tuesday, May 2 at 11:00AM with visitation an hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, all are welcome to join Jim’s family for lunch and fellowship at the same location.

Interment will be private at Rosedale Cemetery in Martinsburg, WV at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First UMC’s “new church” building fund or the Fellowship Fund at SVWC.