James Smith

James W. Smith of Central Lake passed away Sun. Dec 27, 2015 at home surrounded by his devoted family. He was born Jan 31, 1935 in Detroit, the only child of James H. W. and Ethel (Rose) Smith. Jim graduated from Bellaire High School and on July 21, 1952 he married the love of his life Barbara Mc Kenney. Jim moved his young family to DeWitt after being hired by Oldsmobile in Lansing. He worked in fixture repair and after 32 years, he returned to his childhood home in Central Lake. He didn't stay retired long having worked for Dingmans, Glens and Central Lake Foods/Village Market. He also worked for over 30 years as the maintenance manager at St. Luke Catholic Church in Bellaire where he was an active parishioner. Jim was a highly respected member of the Central Lake Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and a Northern MI Hospice volunteer having been a 25 year cancer survivor. Smitty was a beloved community member who selflessly devoted his time to anyone in need and worked on many community volunteer projects. Jim loved taking camping trips around the upper peninsula. He was a walking encyclopedia and history buff being able to recall dates and people from very early childhood memories. He was part of a Michigan pioneering family who settled in Clinton County and knew many things about the history of Central Lake and Bellaire. His quick wit, his laughter and genuine concern for his family and others will be greatly missed. Jim is survived by wife Barbara of 63 years along with four proud children; Barb (Jim) Kowal, son James M. (Sandy) Smith, daughter Sara (Jeff) Goldberg and Sharon Smith. Grandpa Jim had a youthful spirit and took an exceptional interest in the lives of his grandchildren that include Robbi (Amy) Case, Corey (Tina) Case, Rhonda Smith, James R. (Anne) Smith, Michael (Candace) Smith, Chris Higby, Lyndie Higby along with Arielle Kowal, Bailey & Harrison Goldberg. There are 14 great grandchildren who survive as well. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thurs. Dec. 31, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church with Fr. James Gardiner and Fr. Chet Collins officiating. The family will receive friends Wed. Dec. 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Central Lake Lions Club or Northern Michigan Hospice. Please sign his guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com