This Rotarian is known as “Smokey.” An interesting moniker with an origin that is a bit vague. Smokey’s dad, James H. Shott, Jr., got a belly full of being called “Little Jimmy,” and wanted to shield his new son from some wild nick name. However, Smokey’s mom, “Doug” Shott (Virginia Douglas Sutherland), wanted their baby to be “Jim, III.” Young Smokey came into the world a bit after midnight lots of years ago here in Bluefield. His Pop was absolutely worn out by the ordeal, but had to go to work a short time later. When he returned to the hospital after work he learned that his young son had been officially registered as “III.” Some six months later Jim, Jr. hung the name “Smokey” on his baby boy. Smokey says he has no clue about the significance of his name, but he does know that he tried smoking once and that was enough. He just couldn’t live up to his mysterious name.
Smokey gets the prize as the hardest working president in the history of the Rotary Club of Bluefield. He does a great job as president, but has taken on several other Rotary jobs as well. He serves as our statistician. This requires him to keep records on each member’s attendance. This is a full time job in itself. He is also the editor of The Dinner Horn. To gather information for this publication he even works during meetings.
Finally, he is the webmaster for our Web site. Any one of these jobs is enough to set most folks wild. Hang in there, Smokey. Just one month left.
Smokey says lots of good things about Rotary and being a member of the club. He would love to see the club become involved in a major project. He did not specify any single assignment, but he did state his belief that Rotary is capable of accomplishing big things and that we ought to be living up to our potential.
In his younger days, Smokey made the rounds of several colleges. He went to Bluefield College for a while, then Concord, then Bluefield State College and finally Marshall College (Now Marshall University). He liked Marshall so well that he hung around with them until he had earned his Masters in Education. He worked in the music departments of schools and was a band director. His musical talent has also led him to being the head guy in the Bluefield State jazz band. Many enjoy the biannual concerts of this group.
Smokey eventually moved into the business world. He purchased Commercial Printing and the Twin State Observer. For many years the Observer was the only totally Republican paper in the area. His editorials were legendary. Much to the disappointment of many he decided to close out his businesses. Today you can treat yourselves to his thoughts and rants if you go to his blog at: jsobservations.blogspot.com
Smokey has been the hardest working Rotary president in memory. He also ranks as the best Rotary president most of us have known. Smokey, we all thank you for being a great leader and an all-round good guy.