James Smith
January 28, 1955 — March 6, 2011
James Smith, age 56 of Aura, MI passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, MI.
He was born January 28, 1955 in Holland, MI son of Fred and Beatrice (Francis) Smith. James was raised in Spring Lake, MI. He was in the US Navy from March 1973 until January 1974 during the Vietnam War. James served as a Green Shirt on the flight deck of the USS Oriskany. He married the former Jean Johnson on November 14, 1981 in Spring Lake, MI. They moved to Marquette, MI in 1999 until 2005 when they moved to Aura, MI. James worked for various construction companies and last drove truck for 41 Lumber in Marquette.
James was a member of the Church of the Nazarenes in Spring Lake, The American Legion and VFW posts in Grand Haven, MI. He was an avid hunter and loved hunting upland fowl with his bird dogs and deer hunting. He also enjoyed fishing and camping.
Surviving are his wife Jean of Aura, brother William (Jean) Guilford of North Carolina, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, sisters Betty DeWitt and Esther Pearson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at L'Anse United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm. Rev. John Henry will officiate. The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse, MI is assisting the family.
Friends may sign James's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.