John Harding Smedley

Traverse City - We lost our beloved husband, cousin, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend when John H. Smedley, 84, succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia on June 9, 2012. Born the only child of John B. and Claudia (Peterson) Smedley on November 23, 1927, his early childhood was spent on Smedley Road in Leellanau County, attending Hatches Crossing School before moving to Traverse City where he graduated from TC Central High School, class of 1944. John entered University of Michigan at age 16, graduating in 1950 with a BSE degree after 18 months off for service in the Regular Army of the USA, which included occupation duty on Okinawa. Having established his work ethic of dedication and commitment early as a Boy and Eagle Scout, Caddy Master at TC Country Club, in the TC Canning Factory, as DJ at a local radio station and organizing a sandwich service in the U-M Sigma Chi house, John did advanced engineering work with General Electric in 3 or 4 states before finishing almost 7 years with GE as a management consultant in the NY division. His remaining professional career was spent, first with others, then as a self-employed specialist in corporate acquisitions and divestments, from which he said he NEVER retired!

John's volunteerism was evident in so many arenas: secretary, vice-president and president of the NY University of Michigan Club; organizing TCCHS class of '44 reunions; working with special needs children at Camp Roy-El and Cherry Knoll pre-school; treasurer of NMC Campus Ministry; on the committee of TCCHS Hall of Fame (creating the new 'Legends' division); supervising Sigma Chi crew at NMC Barbecue; helping at VASA Jackpine Station; ushering at Interlochen; chairing FCC Churchside Village Board of Directors; and just recently retiring after MANY years as Head Usher at First Congregational Church, where he had served on the diaconate and was a lifetime member.

John had a phenomenal memory and a deep "never-give-up" thirst for learning! He loved family, friends, football, his church, U-M, skiing, bulldogs, tennis, Sigma Chi Fraternity, crossword puzzles, power walking, strolling hand-in-hand with his wife, and babies. He was never a father, but John was Godfather to 3 – Rachel, Harrison, and Avery – and a model father figure for MANY!

John married Margaret Shoup in 1980, to whom he was always a Gentle Man and a Gentleman! Together they supported the arts and sports, being regular concertgoers, theatre attendees and football (U-M!) fans. She survives, as well as many dear cousins, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

This wonderful life will be celebrated with visitation at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday June 14, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a special time of sharing and song at 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2012 at First Congregational Church with a visitation beginning at 12:00 noon. Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue and Rev. Dr. David Walls will lead the service of remembrance.


Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with special honors presented by Cherryland VFW Post #2780. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.