James Donald Smith

James Donald Smith, 80, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 10 AM – 12 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106. The family invites you to join them, casual attire is welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Jim was born in 1945 in Harvey, Illinois the son of the late Donald and Ruth Smith. He graduated from Thornton High School in 1964. Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Okinawa, Japan from 1966 to 1968. He worked for the railroad in Illinois before and after his military service. Jim met and married his wife, Susan, and they shared a deep bond and love that grew stronger each year of their 51 years together. Several years later, they relocated to Michigan. Jim worked at machine shops, construction and Allied Signal / Bosch Braking Systems in Saint Joseph, Michigan, retiring from Bosch in 2005.

Jim and his wife enjoyed many years of traveling and camping in multiple RV’s, with their favorite state being Wyoming, until they bought a property in Surprise, Arizona, where they were spending their winters. Jim had a long history with horses, starting from a very young age with his grandparents and parents and working with horses at Lake Eliza, Indiana where his family lived for some time. Jim and his wife later returned to Lake Eliza for many years of camping and fishing. He also enjoyed taking road trips to Shipshewana and Valparaiso, going out for coffee, gardening, including a large collection of cactus plants, watching Westerns, and just tinkering.

Survivors include his wife, Susan; a son from a previous marriage, Lee (Sheri); three grandchildren; cousins; nieces; and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; half-sister, Peggy (Walter) Kelly; half-brother, Michael (Lydia) Stanton; and grandson, Caleb.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.