James "Jim" W. Smith III

James (“Jim”) W. Smith III, 69, died October 28, 2017 in Edwardsville, VA, where he loved spending time at the River. Born in Ashland, VA, November 11, 1947, he lived in Ashland and was part of the small town in the “Center of the Universe” throughout his life. He attended Virginia Tech (VPI) and was an army reservist during the Vietnam War. He cofounded Hanover Controls and Supply Corporation in 1984 and worked there for over 30 years. Jim was a member and past president of the Ashland Jaycees, Kiwanis Club of Ashland, and the Hanover Association of Businesses, as well as a member of the Hanover Club. He was active with St. Peter’s UMC since 1976. He participated in the Ashland Variety Show as part of the “Hometown Boys” and the “Hanover Heartthrobs.” He played mandolin and sang with several bluegrass bands, the last being “Short Haul.” He is survived by his wife Ruth Durham Smith, daughter Courtney (Brian), sons Travis (Sarah) and Andrew (Cameron). He was Papa to his grandchildren Hayden, Campbell, Emerson, Sadie, Macey, and Sawyer. He is survived by his mother Eleanor Attkisson Smith and sister Kathy (Paul). Jim was preceded in death by his father, James W. Smith Jr. A celebration of life will be held at St. Peter’s UMC at 15599 Mountain Rd., Montpelier, VA on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter’s UMC at 15599 Mountain Rd., Montpelier, VA 23192, or Ashland Kiwanis Charitable Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 2045, Ashland, VA 23005.