Jeffrey William Smith

Jeffrey William Smith, 57, passed away on November 25, 2025, at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, surrounded by the family he cherished. Born on July 5, 1968, at St. Mary's in Saginaw to William and Janet (Hock) Smith, Jeff spent more than three decades courageously battling cancer and the complications that came with it. Though the disease was relentless, Jeff refused to let it define him. He lived fully, purposefully, and on his own terms.
Jeff grew up in Porter, where his love for sports first took root on the fields of the Porter Little League. A 1986 graduate of Breckenridge High School, he excelled as a pitcher and third baseman and also competed on the football field. His athletic skill and determination led him to continue playing baseball at Saginaw Valley State College.
Shortly after leaving SVSC, Jeff began a long and dedicated career as an operator at Dow Chemical, retiring after 16 years of service. Even with the demands of work and the challenges of his health, he always found time for the games and pursuits he loved.
A fierce competitor and gifted athlete, Jeff played fastpitch softball for many years, highlighted by winning a state championship with Tiffany's of Frankenmuth in 1993. He remained connected to the diamond through slow pitch softball as both a player and a coach, guiding multiple championship teams and forging lifelong friendships along the way.
On June 1, 1996, Jeff married Christine Williams. From that day forward, he considered every moment with her a blessing. He is survived by Christine and what he proudly called the three greatest accomplishments of his life: his children-Carisa, Camden, and Aiden.
Outside of sports, Jeff found peace and joy in Michigan's woods and waters. An avid fisherman, he preferred the challenge of a fly rod for steelhead, once remarking that it was "just too easy any other way." Hunting brought him the same sense of quiet purpose, and as recently as this fall he harvested a 7-point buck on his property during bow season. When he wasn't outdoors, he could often be found on a pool table, where his strategic mind and competitive fire made him a respected opponent across the state. He not only played the game at a high level-winning multiple tournaments in 2025 alone-but took pride in repairing others' pool cues. "If I quit shooting pool now, I would be happy," he said earlier this year. "I've accomplished everything I wanted to on the table."
Perhaps Jeff's most meaningful impact came through coaching. He served as a college pitching coach for a decade-nine seasons at Delta College (2012–2020) and again at Mid-Michigan College in 2025. Across those ten full seasons, he helped 48 pitchers move on to four-year institutions, believing deeply in what he called "the art of the out." Known for his humility, he often deflected praise, taking pride instead in developing overlooked or undervalued players. He was an original "Joe" in a program built on a mantra of selflessness and team first, a legacy that continues to echo through the pitchers he mentored.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Christine and his three children Carisa, Camden and Aiden. He is also survived by both parents Bill and Janet Smith and his brothers, Steve (Nicki) Smith and Danny (Mindy) Smith as well as several aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11 am at the Lux and Whiting Funeral Chapel, Breckenridge. Interment will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Breckenridge. Visitation will be held Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the U of M Cancer Center or the U of M Cardiac Center. To view Jeff's obituary or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.
Jeff Smith lived a life marked by strength, generosity, and unwavering loyalty to the people and passions he loved. His legacy lives on in his family, his players, and all who were shaped by his quiet wisdom and relentless spirit. He will be deeply missed.