James (Jim) Henry Smith, 87, passed away at Hospice House in Traverse City, May 23, 2018 with family at his side. He was born on March 27, 1931 in Detroit to Robert and Ona (Foote) Smith. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Sundling, on August 2, 1952 and soon would have celebrated 66 years together. They had four children Kim Volk (John), Kathleen Doyle, Jim Smith (Denice), Steve Smith (Fran). After serving four years in the Navy on the USS Grand Canyon, Jim worked for 34 years at General Motors as a model/pattern maker. He was a life-long football fan, first playing in grade school and then on Denby's 1948 championship team - he loved the game and highly anticipated the start of the season every fall. Jim also had a life-long passion for gardening, creating beautiful spaces that withstood the rough and tumble play of his children, grandchildren and their friends. Jim and Mary Beth retired to Glen Arbor where they lived for 24 years before moving to Traverse City - they loved life in Leelanau County, hiking, cross country skiing, and spending many hours at the beach. Jim is survived by his wife, children and 10 grandchildren: Stacy, Lindsay, Dennis, and Eric Smith; Riley and Brennan Doyle, Jack and Peter Volk; and Erika and Jake Smith.

Visitation will take place Friday, June 1, 2018 from 5pm-7pm at the St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church in Empire and the praying of the rosary at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 2 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior.

Please visit www.Reynolds-Jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family. In lieu of flowers the family kindly suggests that donations be made to either the Munson Hospice House or the Traverse City VFW Post 2780. The family is being cared for and served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.