James W. Smith

Published 8:26 am Wednesday, July 28, 2021

INMAN–James “Jamie” William Smith, Jr. (62) of Lake Bowen, Inman, SC passed to the Lord on July 2, 2021, at MUSC as a result of a tragic hit-and-run accident while walking at Folly Beach, SC on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.

Our beloved Jamie (b. July 26, 1958) was a native of Knoxville, TN, the only child of Ann and Jim Smith and loving stepmother, Sarah. Jamie married Alice Hulings (Williams) Smith, June 25, 1988, in Spartanburg, SC. Together they raised two fine men: Colin Carlyle Smith and Griffin James Smith.

These three words best describe Jamie Smith: Generous, Fun and Loving.
Jamie was generous to a fault. A good friend described Jamie, “He was a big-hearted, selfless friend for life.” Another said, “He wasn’t my friend, he was my brother.” People liked Jamie for his humor and generosity toward others. Among his friends it was known that Jamie Smith would never say a bad thing about anyone and looked to the bright side of life. Jamie was an easy-going person. His company was enjoyed by all. Jamie’s generosity of love for his fellow man drew people to him. 

He was a people person, a jokester. He was the consummate host at their Lake Bowen home. He had a passion to serve others and was renowned for serving up BBQ, crawfish and other tasty dishes to visiting friends. Jamie had a vast selection of original vinyl records and always set the mood on the front porch… from Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Crosby Stills Nash & Young and many others. Conversations about vintage record players, cars, sports and playing the acoustical and electric guitar were some of Jamie’s favorite topics.

Jamie was a devoted, loyal, doting husband for thirty-three years to his beautiful wife, Alice; the love of this life. He loved his son’s Colin and Griffin and their little dog, Ozzy. Jamie’s love extended in bear hugs to all family and friends. He was always caring and wanting to know how he could help. Jamie was a charming, caring, charismatic man.  He had beautiful blue eyes which would make you melt into his gaze.

In his pursuit of the perfect round of golf a life passion, the Hole-in-One on a most difficult Par 3, was his “proudest moment”. He was a purist to the sport of golf. He never took a mulligan in the game which was beneath his dignity. It is noteworthy that Jamie took the same passion to playing pool as golf. A true friend, but strong adversary at the pool table. Jamie had the keen knack to know sports statistics for most sports and as a sports aficionado he would amaze friends of plays and details of pro & college games.

The Butcher Shop played a significant role in Jamie’s life. He started as a manager in Knoxville. Over the next 11 years, he held positions in the Memphis and Dallas restaurants as well. More importantly, it was in Memphis that Jamie met Alice, a cute waitress on his staff. The Butcher Shop also molded a lifetime of Jamie’s friends. A colleague recently remarked, “With Jamie as manager, we were like family and not necessarily a workplace.” He took great pride in food presentation, a habit he continued all his life. 

Jamie Smith was a generous, fun and loving son, husband, father and friend. He is survived by his wife, Alice, son’s Colin, Griffin and his wife, Paige Gevedon Smith. Jamie was predeceased by his father, James William Smith, stepmother, Sarah Elizabeth Smith, stepfather, Lindy Troutman, and his mother, Ann Donahue Troutman. 

The Internment Service & Celebration of Life will be held 12 noon on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd, Spartanburg, SC. 

In keeping with the longstanding Smith family relationship and in lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142

The Smith family thanks the Medical Staff at MUSC for their professional competencies and compassion for Jamie and the family during his final days. The MUSC staff is truly the finest, we humbly thank you for the care and considerations during this difficult time.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.JMDunbar.com.

Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory

Roebuck, SC