James Freeman Smith
Passed: April 25, 2026
Charleston, WV
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James Freeman Smith
Passed: April 25, 2026
Charleston, WV
Obituary
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.
8 responses to James Freeman Smith
Erin Crum says:
May 5, 2026
Melissa and Amy, I don’t know that I ever met your dad, but my thoughts are with you and the whole family now. With love, Erin
Lisa & Shelby says:
April 29, 2026
Brian & family,
Your dad was a remarkable man whose wisdom and love touched everyone he met. He raised an amazing family and his love clearly lives on in all of you. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with each of you. Sending our love from the Mitten.
Christina Tassos says:
April 29, 2026
Dearest Karen and family,
Powers was kind enough to reach out snd let me know about Jimbo’s passing. I have a heart full of happy memories of growing up with Powers and spending hours at your house talking to you and Jimmy. You both always made time for me and Powers to hang out. God grant each of you peace. Memory Eternal! Love you all—Christina Tassos
Harold Spangler says:
April 28, 2026
thoughts and Gprayers for all the family. Great guy. RIP
Becky Millsaps says:
April 28, 2026
Dear Karen and Family,
Thinking of you, Karen, and all your dear family. I have so many treasured memories of the times I spent with you and Jimmy during our CHS years. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who loved him so much. Love and prayers to you and all your family.
Much love,
Becky Pharr Millsaps