With heavy hearts, we share the passing of James Freeman "Jim" Smith of Charleston, WV.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
James held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of belief is a life of quiet conversation with something larger.
James Freeman Smith, 79, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 25, 2026, after a short battle with cancer.
Jim was born in Huddy, KY, on February 12, 1947, to his late parents, WJ and Beatrice Smith. After graduating from Charleston High in 1965, he went on to study sociology at Marshall University. He later graduated from Morris Harvey and started a lifelong career with his father and later his son, Brian, in the industrial fastener business. Sometimes stern on the outside, Jim was compassionate and charitable beyond measure.
Jim married his junior high school sweetheart, Karen, and went on to have three children: Melissa Petit (Scott), Amy Dooley (Greg), and Brian Smith (Stacy), and seven grandchildren: David Dooley, Josh Petit, Emma Dooley, Grace Smith, James Petit,, Grant Smith, and Lauren Petit.
Jim was the driving force behind Smith Fastener Company until he sold in 2018. After retirement, Jim continued to treat his family to endless beach vacations and trips to Snowshoe. He had a passion for history and was an avid reader. Jim enjoyed watching westerns and spending time with his dog, Paisley.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nancy Ellis, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He is survived by his brother, Powers Smith (John), loving wife, Karen, children, grandchildren, cousins, and nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church, 4615 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV, with Pastor Chuck Pullins and Pastor Roy Stonestreet officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery in Charleston.
Visitation will begin two hours prior at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice.
The family would like thank CAMC Cancer Center and Kanawha Hospice Care for taking excellent care of Jim during his illness.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
