James "Pat" Patrick Smith

James “Pat” Patrick Smith May 1, 1965 – December 5, 2023 James “Pat” Patrick Smith, 58, passed away at home in Woodbridge on December 5, 2023, with Joyce, his devoted wife, and Teressa, whom he loved and cherished as his own daughter, by his side. Pat was blessed with a large yet close-knit family, which included his sister, Kelley Edwards, son-in-law Jeremy Karaskevicus, along with his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, and especially his sweet granddaughter Laney, who was an endless source of joy, pride and laughter for him following her birth earlier this year. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Peg and Calvin Smith. In addition to his beloved family members, Pat leaves behind many friends, neighbors, and work colleagues who will forever miss his quick sense of humor, infectious laugh, and brilliant smile. In his youth, Pat proudly and selflessly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. After his military service, Pat worked in the beverage industry for 30 years as a Senior Account Manager for popular drink brands. He had an outstanding work ethic, loved his job, and deeply valued the friendships he made there: despite waking up before dawn each day to hit the road in his beloved truck, Pat would often stay after work for a few hours, just to spend quality time with his co-workers. Pat was a loyal and trustworthy person, a good and honest man who had the courage of his convictions, yet was always respectful of others and their viewpoints. He was a die-hard fan of 7-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, and loved sharing his passion and knowledge of the sport with others. Pat was also a talented woodworker who was known to be handy with tools, able to fix or build just about anything, be it a backyard firepit or putting up a countless number of storage sheds for friends and neighbors over the years. Pat was an animal lover and proud “Cat Dad” to several lucky pets, but held a special place in his heart for his enormous orange & white cat Buster, his faithful and furry TV-watching buddy for the past 11 years. Most of all, Pat loved spending time with his best friend and love of his life, Joyce. His favorite pastime was simply to be with her, and he embraced their life together to the fullest. Whether it was jet skiing on the Potomac River and Lake Anna, visiting their North Carolina beach house, camping at Prince William Forest Park, or throwing back a screwdriver at the rockin’ Smith Bar he built in their home, Pat’s greatest source of happiness came from spending time with his wife, whom he considered his soulmate, a sentiment she wholeheartedly shared. Pat was taken from his loved ones way too soon, but his legacy of love and larger-than-life presence left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him, ensuring that he will live on forever in our memories. The family will receive mourners at Miller Funeral Home on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 14160 Ferndale Rd. Woodbridge, VA 22193 at 10:30 a.m. with interment to follow at 1:00 p.m. at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA.

Tributes

James "Pat" Patrick Smith

May 1, 1965 - December 5, 2023