James "Jimmy" Calvin Smith

James Calvin “Jimmy” Smith
Augusta, Georgia – Mr. James Calvin “Jimmy” Smith, a long-time resident of Augusta, died Wednesday October 26, 2016, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his family. Born in Macon, Georgia to the late Henry Grady Smith and Kathleen Knowles Smith, Mr. Smith was the beloved husband of Rudell Robinson Smith for 66 years. He had recently celebrated his 88th birthday.
Mr. Smith was a 1945 graduate of Richmond Academy. He played American Legion baseball and was a formidable first baseman with a powerful swing. He attended Georgia Tech where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a three-year letter winner in baseball. Academically, Mr. Smith was selected as a member of Phi Eta Sigma honor society his freshman year and was a member of Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserves just prior to graduation. Mr. Smith “got out” of Tech in September, 1949.
After receiving his degree and working in the private sector, Mr. Smith opened his consulting mechanical engineering practice in 1957. During the course of his 53 years as principal with James C. Smith and Associates, P.C., he was recognized for his work with schools, universities, and hospitals to address the phenomenon of “Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).” He actively designed systems that used higher indoor air quality standards than required at the time to help mitigate the transmission of communicable diseases and to optimize the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. His work with the Georgia Tech Research Institute led to national standards for indoor air quality. While his work took him all over the Southeast, he particularly enjoyed his design projects with First Baptist Church of Augusta, The Medical College of Georgia, Gracewood State School and Hospital, Clemson University, The University of South Carolina Nursing School, The University of Georgia Veterinary School, AnMed Health, Richmond County, Aiken County, and Burke County Schools.
Mr. Smith was active with his church and in the community. As a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta, he enjoyed teaching children and youth in Sunday School and served on the Board of Deacons. As a deacon, he served terms as Moderator and Parliamentarian. Most recently he served the church as Treasurer. He was a Member and Past President of The Exchange Club of Augusta, a Member and Past President of the Georgia Tech Club of Augusta, where he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In the 1980’s Tech President, Joseph M. Pettit, asked him to serve on the Joint Tech-Georgia Development Fund. He particularly enjoyed his years recruiting for the Yellow Jackets for multiple sports and served as Chairman of the Georgia Tech President’s Scholarship Committee for the Augusta area. He was a member of Augusta Country Club for many years.
With all his accomplishments, his favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He and his wife, Rudell, are the parents of six children: Pam Smith Dunaway (Price), Jimmy Smith, Jr., Ken Smith (Martha), David Smith (Debbie), Cal Smith (Debbie), and Carol Smith Hathaway (Alden). Mr. Smith is “Granddaddy” to 13 grandchildren: Bobby Mastroianni, Wes Dunaway, Billy Smith, Kate Dunaway Sanders (Reid), Brian Smith (Sarah), Talley Smith, Dorn Smith Morris (Chris), Tripp Hathaway (Morgan), Will Dunaway, Mary Hathaway Peebles (Brian), Larry Smith, Megan Hathaway Johnson (Joseph), and Abby Smith. “Granddaddy” also enjoyed being with his honorary grandson, Jermel Bennett. His great grandchildren, Tony, Vance, Elizabeth, Copeland, Gavin, LG, Fathom, and Hampton, knew him as “Big Daddy.” Mr. Smith also leaves behind his cherished siblings, Grady Smith, Patrick Smith (Betty), and Kathleen Wallace, brother-in-law, Gerson Robinson (Mary), and a host of Smith, Robinson, Wallace, and Conway relatives. He was thankful for the assistance and friendship of Dee Mathis over the last few years.
The family will greet friends on Thursday evening November 3, 2016 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, Georgia 30907. A memorial service will be held Friday November 4, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Augusta, with Reverend Dr. Rodger Murchison officiating. Honorary seating will be available for current and past members of The Exchange Club of Augusta and current and past members of the Board of Deacons of First Baptist Church of Augusta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Augusta HVAC Debt Retirement Fund, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta, Georgia 30909.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com