James Smyth

1927 - 2016

James W. Smyth

Battle Creek

James W. Smyth, age 89, of Battle Creek, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016. He was born March 4, 1927 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of James William and Grace (Finch) Smyth. Jim attended Battle Creek Public Schools and went on to serve in the Army Air Corp. Following his honorable discharge, he worked at the Kellogg Company retiring after 41 years of service. Jim also served Bedford Township as a Police Officer for 20 years and a firefighter for 15 years. He loved riding his motorcycle, hunting deer and pheasants, gardening and taking care of his yard. Jim also enjoyed playing baseball, ice skating and all watersports- he taught his kids to waterski, and bowling three days a week on a league at Marshall Lanes. On February 20, 1948 he was married to the former Donna Huber and together they had two daughters. Jim later married the former Betty Blowers on December 31, 1973. Left to cherish his memories and share his stories are his daughters: Kathy J. Baird and Judy A. (Rob) Beam; two step-daughters: Connie (Richard) Beeman and Debbie (John) Carr all of Battle Creek; two grandsons: Timothy J. Baird and Adam R. (Ashley) Beam; five step-grandsons: Jerry, Jimmy and Jason Carr; Paul and Jared Beeman; brother: Hubert Burke (Grace) Smyth of Mountain Home, Arkansas; sister: Lucy Jane (Jerry) Bach of Adrian; many nieces and nephews, his special friend Dar Sizemore of Marshall, and Crystal his special caregiver which he called his "angel". He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Donna and second wife Betty, and step-granddaughter Andrea.

The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2016 at the funeral home with Rev. Jeremy Young of the Marshall Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow at Beckley Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be given to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. www.henryfuneralhome.org