Raymond James LeViere

Raymond James "Jim" LeViere, 81 of Shepherd, went Home to be with Jesus on June 16, 2025. He was born to the late Raymond and Ruth (Frick) LeViere on March 1, 1944, in Montour Falls, NY. Jim married the love of his life Susan Jane Thunberg on December 4, 1964, and they shared over 60 years of marriage together.
The son of a Baptist preacher and church planter, Jim had a faith and trust in God from an early age. Jim graduated from Tawas Area Schools as salutatorian in 1962 and was a standout athlete during his high school years, excelling in basketball, football, track and baseball, where he earned the respect and admiration of teammates and coaches alike. After graduating from Central Michigan University in 1967, his love of education and athletics continued as he taught business at St. Louis and Bullock Creek high schools and coached golf, basketball, baseball and track & field for 37 years. He received his master's degree while teaching at St. Louis High School. Jim was active in politics for over 35 years, serving as Midland County Commissioner and Greendale Township Supervisor, during which time he was instrumental in construction of the new Town Hall on M-20. During these years he was also a financial advisor and life insurance agent.
Jim found joy in hunting and fishing, passions he carried with him throughout his life. Above all, Jim cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, whom he adored and who brought him endless pride and happiness. He was a loyal son, caring brother, loving husband, devoted and proud father, doting grandfather and fun uncle, who demonstrated strength, humor, and a love for Jesus Christ. After raising his own children, Jim and Susan cared for over 30 foster children. His absence from this earth will be missed by the many individuals he impacted during his life.
Jim is survived by his wife, Susan LeViere, children; Richard (Jamie) LeViere, John (Betsy) LeViere, Michael (Rachel) LeViere, Daniel (Cara) LeViere, Linnea (Greg) Geiger, Bethany LeViere, Timothy LeViere, Rachel (Scott) Kruger, Sara (Brett) Brubaker, Mary (Dan) Ostahowski, Hannah (Jonathan) Human, William LeViere, Patrick LeViere and David LeViere and over 55 grandchildren, step grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as two nieces and a nephew along with extended family in Mississippi
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Beverly (LeViere) Montgomery, brother Richard Charles LeViere, and son, Joseph Charles LeViere.
A funeral service will take place at 12:00pm on June 24, 2025 at Midland Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Payne officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00am until time of service. A graveside service with words of committal will take place at 3:30pm at Greendale Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Midland Baptist Church Missionary Fund, Seth and Rebecca Malley by clicking here, or Brian and Tonya Devine by clicking here in his honor.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the LeViere family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.