James Smotrel

James Richard Smotrel, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on January 28th, 2026. He was the son of the late John and Ann Smotryski. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brothers John Smotryski and Joseph Smotryski.

Jim is survived by his wife Judy of 46 years; his two daughters Sarah Pierson and Jessica White, and their husbands Steve Pierson and Drew White. He has four grandchildren Christopher Pierson, Katelyn Pierson, Oliver White, and Wilson White; and a great grandchild on the way.

Jim was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and attended St. Hedwig’s Catholic School. His family relocated to Miami, Florida, where he attended high school and later graduated from Florida State University. He ultimately retired from Framatome in Lynchburg, Virginia, after a long career as a nuclear engineer.

Jim and Judy loved to travel the world hiking and going on adventures. It was a familiar sight to see Jim and Judy always hand in hand. He loved spending time with family, training his dogs, working on his property, or making repairs in his workshop.

For 40 years, Jim’s passion was training his collies. He was a pillar of the dog agility community in Virginia and North Carolina as a judge, educator, and mentor. He was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place on February 16, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:45pm at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg with a funeral service following at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Collie Club of America’s Collie Health Foundation or the Lynchburg Humane Society.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is serving the family.