James A. Smith

05/12/1942 - 09/18/2025

James A. Smith, age 83, of Clinton Township, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025. He was born May 12, 1942, in Jackson, graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School, and attended the University of Michigan, where he met his wife of 60 years, Lucia.
Jim graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and spent his career at Bodman in Detroit. Jim was known as an exceptional writer, a patient teacher of young associates, and a sought-after litigator. Jim's true joy was his family, and he was "Papa" to eleven grandchildren. Jim had an incredible memory, a quick wit, and took great joy in telling stories. Jim loved Lucy's homemade Italian food and always shared his gratitude for the food and family at his table.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary Smith, his brother, Tom Smith, and his in-laws, Evelyn and John Santini. He is survived by his wife, Lucy; his three children and their spouses, Matt (Kimberly) Smith of Healdsburg, CA, Aaron (Amy) Smith of Royal Oak, and Rachel (Chris) Busby of Needham, MA; his eleven grandchildren, Asher (Cathy), Brennan, Regan, Aaron Jr., Summer, Owen, Isabel, and Henry Smith, and Kate, Anna and Tess Busby; his siblings, David (Stephanie) Smith, Dan (Diana) Smith, and Barbara (Bob) Struber; and his extended family.
Further details can be found at www.verheyden.org.