James R. Smith

James Ross Smith, 87, formally of Caro, peacefully went to be with the Lord on

Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Autumnwood in Deckerville.

Born on January 17, 1938, in Unionville, Michigan to Clifford and Mary Smith, James

was the first of seven children. He was a graduate of Cass City High School, Class of

1957. He spent many years assisting his father and brothers on the family farm and

retired from EATON Foundry, in Vassar. In his later years, he loved mowing lawns for

several residents in Caro.

James loved to share stories of his childhood and the adventures of growing up on the

farm. Above all, he cherished his family. He married Marilyn Thane on Oct 14, 1961,

and together they had three children: Julie, Melanie, and Krista. Though James and

Marilyn later divorced in 1980; they remained connected through their children and

grandchildren.

He is survived by his siblings, Gerald Smith of Huntington, Indiana, Eloise (Dorland)

Kuntz of Caro, Clifford Jr. (Helen) Smith of Gaylord, Gary (Louise) Smith of Unionville,

Eileen (Lee) Rhodes of Hemlock, and Linda (Tom) Krause of Caro, and two daughters,

Julie (Steve) Priestley of Fowlerville, and Krista (Robert) Dean of Applegate.

James was a proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, Jodi (Justin), Kyle (Cher),

Zachery (Katie), Kelsey, Rebecca (Tom), Olivia (Jimmy), and Marc, and thirteen great-

grandchildren, David, Caleb, Isaac, Cameron, Loveina, TJ, Kloe, Natalie, Enoch,

Wilhelmina, Isabelle, Saelah, and Luke.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Marilyn, daughter Melanie,

and sister-in-law Nancy.

A memorial service to celebrate James’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16, at

Colwood Church in Caro. Reverand Lee Rhodes will officiate. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by

the service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately afterward.

The burial will be performed at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Colwood Church Building Fund, 1840 Colwood RD Caro, MI 48723