A life well-lived, James Edward Smith passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025 at his home, Williamsburg, VA surrounded by loved ones at the age of 81.
Jim was married to Carolyn Hammer for 58 years. They have two sons, Christopher and Griffin (Christina) and grandchildren: Alexander, Lleyton, and Caila.
He was preceded in death by his parents Claude V. and Gwendolyn H. Smith and sister Claudia Smith. He is survived by sister-in-laws Linda E. Hammer, Kathryn Hammer Bowman; brother-in-law Joe Bowman and many nieces and nephews.
Jim graduated from the VA Tech Corp of Cadets in 1966. He served on the Regimental Staff, was Commander of the VA Tech color guard and held many leadership positions in student and university activities. He was commissioned as 2nd Lt. and served two years in the U.S. Army at Forl Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Meade, Maryland.
Jim was employed by E. I. DuPont de Nemours for 38 years. He worked in research, product and market development and corporate management. He was senior product and licensing manager covering Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Europe.
Jim served as President of the Northern Delaware Soccer League, First State VA Tech Alumni Chapter, Williamsburg Alumni Chapter, and honored to serve as President of the VA Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was a member of the Ut Prosim Society. He was President of The German Club (1966), served on the Board of Directors and the Alumni Advisory Board to the Department of Chemistry.
In recognition of Jim’s outstanding service to his community, his profession, and his beloved alma mater Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, he was awarded the Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
Throughout his life Jim was loved and respected by all who knew him.
A memorial service for Jim will be at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA, on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM. A private interment will be held at Woodbine Cemetery in Harrisonburg, VA.
Please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Jim’s memory.
A very special thank you to our hospice nurses and caregivers who made Jim’s journey easier because of their care and kindness.
