James "Jimmy" David Smith, 58, of Greensboro, passed away July 21, 2022, while enjoying
time with his family on vacation. James was a devoted husband, son, brother, and friend to those
who knew him. James attended Winston-Salem State University pursuing a degree in education
with a focus on children with special needs and later transferring to UNCG. He joined UNC
Greensboro in 1992 as Advancement Services' Business Technical Analyst and Assistant
Director. In 2019, he became Director of Advancement Systems, Data and Reporting. He is
remembered by his friends there as a problem solver and a go-to colleague who approached work
with both gentle calmness and great humor. His wisdom and practical advice will be greatly
missed. He held two degrees from UNCG: a master of business administration degree
(information technology) earned in 1997 and a bachelor's in computer and information sciences
and support services earned in 1993. When James was not working, he enjoyed many outdoor
activities including biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. James loved spending time
with his family. He was always the jokester with a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. He was
known in the family as the "fun uncle". We never knew what he would come up with next but
he always kept us laughing. His one true love was his wife Michelle who was always in his heart
and mind. Their travels took them from coast to coast and to the Caribbean, with a special love
for St. Croix. James and Michelle shared 25 years of marriage before God called him home.
James leaves behind to cherish his memory: his wife Michelle Hewitt-Smith, his parents Charlie
and Violet Smith, brother Mark Smith (Annette), sister Cynthia Felkel (Brian), brother-in-law
Christopher E. Hewitt, sister-in-law Denise Hewitt Chaplin, nephews and nieces; Jacob Smith
(Alysha), Rebekah Stephenson (Patrick), Nathan Felkel (Amanda), Stephen Felkel, Daniel Felkel
(Katriona), Elena Simone Chaplin, Willie Christian Chaplin, Richard Edrington Hewitt, great-nephews and nieces; Hunter Trivette, Harper Smith, Kinsley Felkel, Jax Felkel, and Elizabeth
Louise Holder-Chaplin. James was a longstanding and faithful member of Galilee Missionary
Baptist Church. Funeral services will be at 12 noon on August 16, 2022, at Galilee Missionary
Baptist Church located at 4129 Northampton Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. Face masks are
required. Interment will follow at Piedmont Memorial Gardens located at 3663
Piedmont Memorial Dr. Winston-Salem, NC 27107
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that school supplies or monetary donations be made to
Crestwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem for the Kentucky flood victims. Donations can
also be made at www.crestwood-baptist.com Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.