James Neal Smithson

James "Jay" Smithson, 58, of Chesterfield, VA, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Born in Hopewell, VA, he was the son of the late Wilson "Wade" Smithson and Janet Milton Smithson. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated to his friends.

He was the proud owner of Innovative Machine and Industrial Services and Advanced Hydraulics for 20 years. He sold the businesses in 2020, and since then had been enjoying his time doing free-lance work including, fabrication, crane operation, and general tinkering.

Jay enjoyed offshore fishing, boating, drag racing, and riding motorcycles. He was an avid animal lover and could always be found with his trusty beagle side-kick, Milton.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Cynthia Goode Smithson; two children, Louis Smithson and wife, Makenzi, and Ashley Yelverton; one brother, David Smithson and wife, Britt. He was preceded in death by his sister, Shannon Smithson.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The casting ceremony will be private. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to the Richmond SPCA in memory of Jay Smithson.