James J. Smith

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, James J. Smith finished his "To Do" list and started his trip into the next world. He was born into a farming community on August 8, 1940, at Epworth, lowa, to Thomas Kennedy Smith and Jeanne (Sowle) Smith. Jim came up through the ranks graduating first from Scott School, a one-room country school, and then St. Joseph's High School in Farley, lowa. After a year in college at St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota, he spent seven years in the Christian Brothers. After saying good-by to the Brothers, he continued his education and earned an MA in 1969. His teaching career included stays in Chicago, Amarillo, Kansas City, and finally 29 years of full-time employment at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin.

While employed at LTC, Jim took a serious interest in helping teachers in their Local, State, and National labor relations organizations. All told, including after retirement, he accumulated 40 years as an officer or board member within the teachers' union. He also enjoyed his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Living Justice, Lakeshore Pax Christi, the Manitowoc County Historical Society, and the Manitowoc County Genealogical Society, the Democratic Party, and working with neighbors collecting maple syrup, traveling, always working for the working class, and visiting friends.

After retiring from LTC in 1999, Jim wrote or edited four books related to history. Writing was his main hobby and he enjoyed the challenges that writing presented. Among his other interests throughout his life were handball/racquetball, writing poetry, studying history, remodeling, gardening, collecting books by various authors including Faulkner, Rossetti, Shakespeare, and Gaiman. Among his prize book collections were a complete set of Classic comic books. Jim only had one difficult day in this life and that was the day his daughter, Devri, died in 1990. Among Jim's favorite songs were " Amazing Grace," "A Nation Once Again," "We Shall Overcome," and "Solidarity Forever."

Survivors include his beloved wife Jean Rausch of 37 years; three sons by Diana C. (Nelson) Smith: David (Lynne) Smith of Davenport, Florida; Nathan (Jennifer) Smith of Fitchburg, Wisconsin; Aaron (Nicole) Smith of West Bend, Wisconsin. Survivors also include one sister Jeanne Liston of North Liberty, lowa, and one brother Thomas Smith (Vicki Wilson) of Calidonia, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary (Konzen) Smith; a daughter, Devri Renee Smith; and a sister-in-law, June Smith. If all goes well, today Jim will be with his daughter in the next world. Included with those left behind are six grandchildren: Patrick, Sarah, Francesca, Charlotte, Oskar, and Conan. Jim also had nieces and nephews and their families who he felt very close to living in Marion, lowa; Grimes, lowa; North Liberty, lowa; Marietta, Georgia; Pecatonica, Illinois; Hiawatha, lowa; Stoughton, Wisconsin; and Durango, Colorado.

A "Good-by Note." Jim wanted to thank all of the many good people that he came in contact with in his journey through this life. From youth to old age, good people made life worth living. Thanks.

Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton, Wisconsin. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Beaudry. Following the service, Jim will be laid to rest at the St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Newton.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community, Newton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a donation of their choice to charitable organizations that were important to Jim.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Cancer Center, Manitowoc, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the care and compassion they have shown Jim and his family.