James Smith Obituary
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July 8, 1947- August 27, 2025
Age 78, went to be with Jesus on August 27, 2025. Jim was born on July 8, 1947 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Donald Smith and Evelene (Coppens) Smith. Jim was a faithful member of Mount Hope Church in Lansing for 40 years. During that time, he served as a home group leader, an usher, on a counting team, in the Men's Ministry and in the Prison Ministry. He was most recently a member of New Hope Church where he served as a greeter. He graduated from O'Rafferty High School in 1965. He served in the United States Navy from 1968-1970. He was employed by Dudley Paper Company/COPCO/Unisourse as a warehouseman and delivery driver from 1970-2005. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching good movies.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 31 years (Colette), brothers (Dan, Randy and Joe), brother-in-law Bob Miller, and one sister (Sandy). He is survived by his daughter Tara (Lon) McFarland and his son Robert (Tammi) Smith. He is also survived by 3 stepchildren, Michael (Mian) Fisher, Susan Fisher and Eddie Fisher. He is also survived by brothers Ricky Lee Smith (Kathy) and Rod (Mary) Snay, He is also survived by sisters Dawn (Joe) Salazar, Sue (Michael) Eyer and Kathy Miller, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
James passed after an unexpected and extended medical crisis. Special thanks to the Sparrow MICU team and to his "family" at OakBrook Senior Living in Williamston. Without all of your love, care and expertise during his final days on this side of heaven, this journey would have been even more difficult.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the New Hope Church Student Center (at 1340 Haslett Road, Haslett, MI 48840) on Thursday, September 25th with a visitation from 10:00-11:00, memorial service from 11:00-12:00 and a luncheon at the church will immediately follow. Private interment will be held at the Delta Center Cemetery at a later date. Contributions can be made to the New Hope Church Compassionate Care Fund in Jim's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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520 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910
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