James Walter Severt

James W. (Jim) Severt, a former President and Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Homes, died peacefully on September 25, 2026.

Jim was born on May 16, 1932, in Marion, Va, the son of Avery Hampton Severt and Bernice McGlamery Severt.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eliza Hubble Severt; his sons, James W. Severt, II and W. Lawrence Severt; a sister. Betty Severt Rouse; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Marion High School, Jim was employed by the Bank of Marion until he was drafted into the U. S Army in 1950. Honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1954, he enrolled in Virginia Tech where he was a member of the German Club and Alpha Kappa Psi. He and Eliza were married on August 17, 1957.

Upon graduation with a degree in accounting, Jim and Eliza moved to Martinsville in 1958 where he started his post-college career as a CPA. They joined the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Martinsville and Henry County which became an important part of their lives to this day.

Jim quickly became involved in the community he came to love, joining the Jaycees and serving as president of the organization and a member of the board of the local transportation safety board.

After a few years working as an accountant, he was hired by Continental Homes in Rocky Mount. In 1970, Jim joined Nationwide Homes initially serving as Executive Vice President and then President and CEO. During his time as President, Jim orchestrated the company’s stock being listed on the American Stock Exchange. His business career also included service as a member of the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Martinsville and Henry County, and Cooper Wood Products; co-owner and president of Graves Supply Company; and president and owner of Martinsville Travel.

Jim was devoted to his family, his church, his local community, Virginia Tech, the Commonwealth and the nation.

As a church member, he served as a member and Chairman of the Administrative Board; a Trustee of the church; chair of the Building Committee when the church constructed a major addition that included a new social hall, kitchen and administrative offices; with Irving Groves initiated the purchase of a building across Main Street that now houses the family life center; co-chair of the committee that undertook a complete renovation and refurbishment of the sanctuary; and chair of the committee charged with the purchase and installation of new stained-glass windows for the sanctuary.

As a proud citizen, he was a longtime member of the board and chair of the MHC YMCA, a trustee of Piedmont Arts, a board member of the United Way and the Chamber of Commerce. He was appointed to serve on the Commonwealth Transportation Board, served for eight years and chaired the Board. When Bill Franck was founding the King’s Grant retirement community, he asked Jim to oversee the construction of the cottages for residents.

As an avid Hokie, he and Eliza funded a scholarship and were members of Ut Prosim and Golden Hokies. Appointed to the Board of Visitors, he served as a member for eight years and was on the Building Committee, spearheading the construction of a state-of-the-art visitors center.

The family would like to thank Mr. William Penn who helped care for Jim during the past few months, enabled him to remain at home and became a devoted friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Martinsville and Henry County or the Jim & Eliza Fund at the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia.

A celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 146 East Main Street in Martinsville on Sunday, October 4 at 2:00 pm.

Norris Funeral Services Martinsville Chapel will be handling the arrangements for the Severt family.