James "Jim" Smith

James M. Smith, 82, of Brooklyn passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing. Jim's family and friends will gather Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Eineder Funeral Homes – Brooklyn Chapel. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 11:00 am following visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Pastor Ned Bernstein will officiate with Krisy Carpenter as co-officiant.
He was born on January 7, 1943 in Jackson, Michigan to Boyd and Alice (Robinson) Smith. Jim married, Linda Jackman, on March 7, 1974 in Brooklyn, Michigan. They would have had 51 wonderful years together, shy one day. He will be remembered as a very selfless, honorable man that would stop doing whatever he was doing to help someone. Jim is an Onsted High School graduate, class of 1961. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Jim retired from General Materials as a truck driver after 30 ½ years of service. He was an avid farmer, cows being his specialty. Jim was a very social person; he never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He was a great storyteller and jokester. Always giving nicknames to the people, he encountered. Jim was a member of the American Legion William Bartlett #315. He had a vast collection of toy tractors and Christmas Village Houses and figurines. Jim was a wonderful carpenter that could build anything. He enjoyed going to tractor shows, toy shows and steam engine shows. The family provided yearly hay rides, and traveling to Florida during spring break, visiting relatives along the way. Jim cherished his time with his family above all, attending all sporting events possible. He will greatly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Brian (Rhea) Bearden, Angela Drumhiller, Robbie (Tonia) Bearden and Theresa (Tom) Hauser; siblings, Gary (Cleo) Smith, William (Charmayne) Smith, Linda Tate, Vicky (Leo) Cavendar and Ruthie (Gary )West; grandchildren, Jake, Brandye, Brock, Tyler, Tristen, Ashton and Chelsea; great grandchildren Bailey, Drake, Braylon, Laynie and Mylah; many nieces and nephews, and special friends, Rick Deland and Joey Fundaro. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dick Smith; and son-in-law, Jerry Drumhiller.
Memorial contributions may be given to family for future designation. Please leave a message of comfort for Jim's family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.