James Clinesmith

James W. Clinesmith, age 73, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2009 at Bay Regional Medical Center in Bay City, following a lingering illness. Jim was born October 30, 1935 on the family farm outside of Watrousville, the son of the late James Wellington and Esther (Leckrone) Clinesmith. He graduated from Vassar High School with the class of 1956 and soon after joined the U.S. Army where he would serve in Germany. He was united in marriage with the former Mary Jane Cross on October 1, 1966 in Caro. Jim farmed for a period of time before working at a variety of companies including Michigan Sugar Company in Caro, Baker Perkins in Saginaw, General Cable in Cass City, Universal Engineering in Frankenmuth and Thumb Electric in Caro, before going on disability in 1973. He was a member of the Wahjamega Country Church, a life member of the Caro VFW Post #4164, the DAV and a former member of the Thumb Area Old Engine and Tractor Association. James is survived by his loving wife of over forty-two years, Mary Jane Clinesmith of Caro; two daughters and their spouses, Jackie and Jeff Lintner of Fairgrove, Kim and Mike Smith of Oskaloosa, Kansas; grandson, Jeff J. and wife Mandy Lintner of Akron; four granddaughters, Sarah Lintner of Fairgrove, Andrea, Samantha and Mary Smith of Oskaloosa, Kansas; three great-grandchildren, Kilee Lintner and Jacob Selden of Akron, Amelia Lintner of Fairgrove; three sisters and their spouses, Edie & Howard Auernhamer of Vassar, Beulah Hughes of Vassar, Nancy & Tom Hecht of Crystal Falls; two brothers and their spouses, Elgin & Stella Clinesmith of Vassar, Bob & Donna Clinesmith of Vassar and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by one sister, Barbara Bushong.