James-Smigielski-Obituary

James P. Smigielski

Kalamazoo, Michigan

05/11/1947 - 04/16/2025

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DIED
April 16, 2025
LOCATION
Kalamazoo, Michigan
CHARITY
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Obituary

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James Patrick Smigielski, age 77 of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice following complications from a stroke. Jim was born on May 11, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Clarence "Clem" and Stanlina...

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Jimmy was the best host. When we visited, he would take us out on the boat and patiently taught me how to water ski. (and it took a looong time for me to get it). I remember his love of Elvis. We were at his house and Elvis was playing. I asked him if he had anything else besides Elvis. He replied "What else is there?" It was the perfect comeback. A truly great person.

Beautiful in Blue

I was proud to know Mr. Smigielski. (he was always there)... He was always there to ask me "how my parents were doing?" or "how my sister was doing"... I can't tell you how much that meant to me. He was always there to greet Jeff/Laurie/Mike's friends at the house with with a laugh or have cereal breakfasts with us. He was always there to travel or go on cruises with. He was always there to take our sports team photos or support the athletic departments that meant so much to us...

I always felt a special connection to my cousin because he's the oldest cousin and I am the youngest. As a kid, when we visited Michigan (we are their Virginia cousins), we always looked forward to visiting Cousin Jimmy because (and his wife Bea), made coming to their home like a big deal with lots of boating and good food. His son, Jeff (and the beautiful Michelle) living in Virginia was such a gift, especially Andrew's birth. Seeing Jim interact with his son (new dad) and grandson was so...

Our deepest sympathies to the family. Jim was a customer and a friend for many years. He had such a sweet and kind demeanor about him. Always there was good conversation with him when he visited.

I met Jim about 25 years ago via the printshop where he had his sportsbooks printed. Truly one of the nicest people I´ve ever met. Always a smile and good cheer. Sending hopes that his family finds peace in their memories, as I am sure there are many happy ones. Rest peacefully, Jim.

Very sorry about Jim. He was my best man. We traveled some together. One of a kind.

Jim Smigielski. What a good guy. Great family man. Always good and fair to work with. Not to mention a hard worker. I enjoyed doing real estate business with him