Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Smelcer Obituary
1940 - 2017
James J. Smelcer, 77, of Kenosha, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, at Aurora Medical Center.
Born in Necedah, Wis., on May 1, 1940, he was the son of the late Joshua and Alma (Saeger) Smelcer. He was a graduate of Necedah High School.
From Aug. 6, 1958, until his honorable discharge on April 4, 1962, he served as a Supply Sergeant in the U.S. Army while stationed in Korea.
On July 25, 1970, he was united in marriage to JoAnn Carney. After 29 years of marriage, JoAnn preceded him in death on Sept. 28, 1999.
For many years, Jim was employed at AMC/Chrysler Corporation. Most recently, he was employed as a bailiff with the Kenosha County Court System.
He was a member of St. Mary's Lutheran Church. For over 49 years, Jim, was a member and former National Commander of the Polish Legion of American Veterans. One of the highlights of Jim's lifetime was attending former President Clinton's first inauguration and placing a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1993. He was also the past Commander of the P.L.A.V. #34.
He is survived by his sisters, Carol (Richard) Braund of Hustler, Wis., and JoAnn (Al) Ballering of Eau Claire; his brother, Robert (Sheri) Smelcer of Baraboo; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He is further survived by his three close friends, Donnie Dietman, John Gibbs and Will's VanDenBergh.
Funeral services honoring Jim's life will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Lutheran Church, 2001 80th St. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 18, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the family would be appreciated.
Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home & Cremation Services
3720 39th Avenue
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53144
262-658-4101
Online Condolences at www.piasecki-althaus.com
Memories and Condolences
for James Smelcer
3 Entries
Peggy Duchac
October 30, 2017
So very Sorry, I just found out about Jim.
He was a Good Friend of the Family!
RIP MY Friend. You'll be with so many Friends Now... You were one of My last friend I seen , the day I moved.
Love ya Jim
Patti and Greg (Herbie) Herman
October 20, 2017
May he rest in Peace. Such a nice person, glad I got to know him, we will miss him. Condolences to the family.
Ann Held
October 18, 2017
Deepest Sympathy to family of
James Smelcer
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in James Smelcer's name
Memorial Events
for James Smelcer
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Smelcer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
