Jaymie Daniel Smolens, 53, of 59 Kite Place, Waynesboro, VA passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 of Influenza Type A and subsequent severe complications at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA. Jaymie, a son of Henry Smolens and Shirley Plotner Smolens Baird, was born on September 8, 1959 in Upper Darby, PA. He was a graduate of Milton Hershey School, Class of 1977. While attending Hershey, Jaymie developed a self-discipline and incredible work ethic that carried him through his life. His curiosity propelled him to investigate possibilities and educate himself on various topics from nature to technology. He never tired of learning and improving.

Following his graduation he secured employment at Hershey Chocolate Factory for 25 years. During this time he also spent thousands of hours as a volunteer for the Hershey Fire Department. He considered himself fortunate to be able to perform with a clear head and compassionate heart in a crisis and was blessed with countless opportunities to do so throughout his life. He was briefly employed by Amtrak, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Lynnette (Lynn) Garber, whom he married August 28, 1999.

At the time of his death, Jaymie was employed as Director of Maintenance and Environmental Services at Our Lady of Peace in Charlottesville, VA. Jaymie’s singular mission was to provide necessary services for the residents and staff alike. His devotion to the tasks there went above and beyond the duties outlined in his job description. The needs of the residents always remained his priority.

Jaymie was a super-energetic, and hard-working, focused man who spent his time working, creating, bartering, bargaining and forming relationships that will transcend eternity. He and Lynn have an exceptional bond of mutual love, tolerance, forgiveness and respect: theirs truly was a strong marriage founded on God-given principles and faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all. This has allowed and compelled them to render sweet service to countless of their brothers and sisters. Jaymie was a person of passion: anything worth an effort from his seemingly endless source of energy was worth 100% of his time, talent, resources, heart, body, mind and soul.

One of his favorite traditions was an annual fishing event on the opening day of trout season each year in Cross Fork, PA. He began that epic run in 1987 and attended each year until April, 2012. He was a multiple winner of the trophy for the largest trout caught (named after and in honor of Gabby Hayes). Many years he allowed another to take home the trophy, even if he technically would have been awarded it- he knew it was about brotherhood more than the winning. Jaymie’s ashes will be taken to the Gabby in April, 2013. His fishing brothers will scatter them along his favorite place in Cross Fork.

Jaymie and Lynn owned and operated Afton Arms for the last four years and have formed numerous friendships through that business. As in all their endeavors, they were partners who blended their talents and passions. In addition they were partners in Sportsman Eyewear which has brought them new friends and wonderful opportunities.

Jaymie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Smolens and Shirley Plotner Smolens Baird, and brother Jack Taylor. In addition to his beloved wife, Lynn, survivors include: sister, Jill McKinney of West Chester, PA; brother, Jon Smolens and wife, Karen of Upper Darby, PA; sister-in-law Jackie Taylor (widow of Jack Taylor) of Selbyville, DE; nieces and nephews: Jennifer and David Neuhoff, Jason and Colleen McKinney, and T.J. and Leslie Taylor; great-nieces and great nephews: Justin, Casey, Lexus, Jilliane and Jaden. Also Jay (father of Jennifer and Jason) and his wife Marylou McKinney. Also surviving are a step-sister Jolly Robinson, step-brother Jacquin Smolens and his son Rai.

Jaymie also leaves behind his family members by marriage: father-in-law William L. Garber II, mother-in-law Mary E. (Hinkle) Garber, sister-in-law Shelly Garber and nieces Courtney and Alayna Reid, sister-in-law Erin and husband Mitch McIntyre, brother-in-law Michael and wife Karen Cabrera Garber, and Kristi (Carter) and John Ewing and their daughters Jordan, Carter an Logan and the many Dean family members in the area.

Jaymie will be remembered as a true Patriot and staunch supporter of the Constitution written by the Founding Fathers by divine inspiration. The United States Military, Law Enforcement Personnel and First Responders are all close to his heart. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project at

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