James N. Smith, age 72 of Irons, MI passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 14, 2015. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Oleta Smith; father, John Smith; and special brothers, Jay Smith and Tom Smith. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rose M. Byrne Smith; sons, Jack W. Smith, James N. Smith, Jr.; and beloved grandchildren, Karah R. Smith, and Kyle J. Smith; sisters, Betty Story, Nancy Thornton, Judy (Doug) Eddy, Sharon Nead; brother, Jack G. Smith; brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank (Avis Rose) Noor, Lily Vroma, Zeta Smith, Norman (Rosemary) Byrne, Ron (Bess) Walthorn, Gene (Margie) Smith, Mike (Leona) Scott; also many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim graduated from Lowell High School, had a long career at Amway Corp. and retired as Manager of Warehousing at the age of 55, and a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of the Moose #809 Lowell. Early retirement and moving to their Big Bass Lake cottage was a dream he and Rose shared and enjoyed for many years. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Nothing was more important in his life than family and friends, which he has in abundance. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman “Second to None”, and loved fishing the streams of Michigan. He and Rose were winter Texans and traveled to South Padre Island, TX for many years, where he loved fishing the bay and gulf. Jim was blessed with the gift of making even strangers his friend. He always had a joke to tell, and loved giving his sons and grandchildren special “quotes” to live by. He lived life to the fullest and will be forever missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Ave. NE, Ada. Rev. Mark Peacock presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Educational Foundation.
