James (Jim) McKenzie Smith

Ishpeming - James (Jim) McKenzie Smith, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away Sunday, December 25th, 2016, under the caring staff of D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans and with his family by his side after battling courageously with various debilitating illnesses over the years.

Jim was born on February 20th, 1948 in Menomonie, WI and was the oldest son of Robert M. and Mary Joyce (Browning) Smith. He was a 1966 graduate of Marquette Senior High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after high school and served proudly until his honorable discharge due to injury. He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1971 with a Licensed Practical Nursing degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in 1993.

Jim loved to serve others and had a big and caring heart. He spent much of his later years in debilitating pain yet you wouldn't know it because, no matter his pain or ailments, he always had a smile and kind words for everyone he met.

He served as a firefighter/EMT for the city of Ishpeming for several years before an injury led him to an early retirement. He enjoyed being a part of his firefighter family and was sad to see his time at the firehall end.

Jim needed another outlet for his drive to serve others which led him to become involved with his local Amvets (Post 122) and was even named State Commander in 1995-1996. He served on the local council for veteran's affairs for many years which led to him being awarded the Honorary U.P. Veteran of the Year award in 2014.

Jim also served on the Ishpeming Public School Board for over 12 years. He was an avid supporter of all Hematite sports but especially football and basketball. He even followed the football team several times downstate for some of their championship runs. Even when injury or illness prevented him from attending games, he still kept a close eye on the team's progress and cheered them on from afar.

Jim loved hunting and fishing (even though he never ate what he caught having a dislike of fish) and one of his great joys in life was when he was able to join other veterans for the South Shore Fishing Association's annual "Take a Veteran Fishing" event in 2015.

He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming and enjoyed helping with community dinners and other church groups including their men's bible study. He will be missed greatly by the congregation.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Robert Smith; his in-laws, Amelia and John Testen and Thelma Cousineau; his sister, Margaret Wickstrom; his nephew, William (Billy) Jones; and his ex-wife and friend, Carlene Cousineau.

He is survived by his wife, Judith A. "Judy" (Testen) Smith; his four children: Kristen (Scott) Cambensy of Marquette, Kevin (Amy) Smith of Green Bay, Emily (Dave) Miller of Ishpeming, and JoHanna (Cody) Solka of Ishpeming; his brothers and sisters: Kathy (Mike) Foor of Arizona, Chris (Chuck) Aichner of Norway, John Smith of Illinois, Bob (Janet) Smith of Ohio, and Cindy (Stewart) Scroggins of Illinois; ten grandchildren: Mark, Wylen, and Luc Cambensy, Paige, Kennedy, and Nick Smith, Hope, Amelia, and Moira Miller, and Adeline Solka; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

The Smith family will greet relatives and friends from 2 until 5pm on Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Wesley United Methodist Church where the Ishpeming Fire Dept. will stand guard.  A memorial service will follow at 5:00pm on Monday at the Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. JJ Mannschreck to officiate.  The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #380 will accord Military Honors at the conclusion of the services.  Interment will take place in the Wesley Memorial Garden.

Jim's family would like to thank the caring staffs at: D.J. Jacobetti, Marquette Medical Care Facility, Lake Superior Hospice, U.P. Home Health and Hospice, and the Wound Clinic for the excellent care that they gave him over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 801 Hemlock St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 or to Bay Cliff Health Camp, N4175 Co Rd KCA, Big Bay, MI 49808 or at baycliff.org

Jim's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .