James Robert Goodwin III

James Robert Goodwin lll of Salem, Virginia, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the age of 99.

James Robert Goodwin III, known as Bob, was born on April 3, 1922, in Salem. He was the son of the late Dorothy Whitescarver Goodwin and James Robert Goodwin Jr. Following graduation from Andrew Lewis High School, he enrolled in Roanoke College in the Fall of 1939. He received a degree in Business Administration and upon graduation was called to active duty by the US Marine Corps Reserve. 

While working at the Radford Arsenal (now the Radford Army Ammunition Plant) following his time with the Marine Corps, Bob met the love of his life, Gladys Marie Lane. Bob and Gladys were married in 1945. The happy couple lived and worked on the Goodwin family dairy farm in Loudoun County, Virginia until May, 1947. They then moved back to Salem, where Bob joined the firm of Goodwin Insurance and Realty Co., Inc. Bob ultimately became President of the firm and retired after forty years of exceptional service. Through his hard work and business success, Bob built a wonderful home and life for Gladys and their two children, Bobby and Patsy. Bob was an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather. Caring for his family in all ways with love and devotion was truly his life’s work.

Bob was a well-known and respected member of the Salem community. He was an active member of the Salem Baptist Church and served on many of its committees and as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He was a member of the Berean Sunday School Class and of the American Legion, and he served on the Board of Directors of the Salem Historical Society. Bob was a long-time member and past President of the Salem Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home for 24 years, served on the Board of Directors of the Farmers National Bank for 27 years, and he was a member of the Board of Directors of Snyder Nursing Home in Salem for 39 years. He also enjoyed many years of fellowship as a member of the Salem Men’s Breakfast Club. 

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, and the time he spent in nature with family and friends was a special part of his life. He looked forward to hunting with his good friends each Fall at the John’s Creek Hunt Club in Craig County, and he enjoyed many weekend outings with his family at their cabin on Smith Mountain Lake. He was also an accomplished amateur photographer and leaves behind a rich history of memories captured on film.

Bob was preceded in death by Gladys, his devoted wife of 74 years, and his sister Martha ‘Martee’ Gleason. He is survived by his son, James Robert ‘Bobby’ Goodwin IV and his wife Bethany; his daughter Patsy and her husband Steve; his grandsons Jimmy and Jack, and his step-grandsons, Tyler and Joshua.

The family will receive friends at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 2:00 until 3:00 pm. Entombment will follow the visitation at Sherwood Memorial Park at 3:00 pm with Dr. Heath Rickmond officiating.

The family would like to acknowledge his caregivers Rose Ralston and Whitney Bass for their dedicated service. We would also like to extend our thanks to all of the staff at Brandon Oaks who made Bob's final years safe, comfortable and fulfilling. We'd like to particularly thank the wonderful Brandon Oaks Assisted Living staff who made Bob truly feel at home. In his final weeks, caregivers with Generation Solutions filled an important care need, allowing Bob to stay in his beloved apartment. We thank you. Finally, we are extraordinarily grateful to Angela Scott, Bob's private caregiver of many years. Angela went far beyond the call of duty in her care for Bob, treating him with genuine love, kindness and compassion. She gave Bob something to look forward to every day and brought tremendous joy into his life. We thank you so very much!   

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Baptist Church.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James Robert Goodwin III, please visit our Tree Store.