Born in Ionia, Michigan on February 26, 1945, he loved playing golf, hunting, watching Charlie fly planes, sitting at Holland State Park channel to see Ben driving boats, shopping at the Peanut Store, puppy-sitting Daisy and Michigan State University. Jim is the kitchen master – always cleaning dishes, occasional singing and perfecting mashed potatoes, chex mix and french toast. He loved to travel, giving him an excuse to make even more friends across the world. Every Thursday, you could find him volunteering at Mobility Worldwide West Michigan – he loved this work and the group of friends he made there. Jim is a life-long aspiring farmer, taking great joy in his 5 acre Grand Ledge home and barn, helping friends on their farms and even the yard in Holland.
Jim is loving husband of 59 years to Jane Ellen Hooper Smith and an amazing Dad to Jennifer & Mike Dewaard and Julie Smith & Mike Maloney. In perhaps the role of his lifetime, he is the grandfather to James Bennett “Ben” Dewaard and Charlie Dewaard. Jim is survived by his brother, Jerry (Barb) Smith, and sisters, Kay Pettengill and Martha (Frank) Woolston; many nieces and nephews; and numerous close friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws. Jim was exceptionally good to his family, including the men who joined and saved him from a life with all females.
Family and friends can meet with Jim’s family on Thursday June 12 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the First Presbyterian Church of Holland, 659 State Street, Holland, MI 49423. His memorial service will be at First Presbyterian of Holland on Friday, June 13 at 11:00 with lunch to follow.
Jim wouldn’t want flowers but knew you would probably send them anyway. He would like you to consider memorial donations to Mobility Worldwide West Michigan (https://mobilityworldwide.org/affiliates/michigan-west-michigan/), an organization that builds rugged, self propelled carts for disabled children in challenging terrains across the world.
The family would like to extend a special thank you for the care Jim received at Holland Hospital.
Comments