James Melvin Smith

James Melvin Smith, 85, of Caseville, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Scheurer Health in Pigeon.

James was born June 11, 1940 in Detroit to the late Melvin and Shirley (Johnson) Smith. In 1958 he graduated from Detroit Denby High School. He married Loretta Bidolli on July 18, 1959 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Detroit. He served four years in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

In 1992 he retired from General Motors Powertain in Warren. After retiring, they moved from Warren to their little piece of Heaven in Caseville. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Caseville Eagles, Knights of Columbus, and the Caseville Planning Commission and a former member of Caseville Village Counsel and Scenic Golf Course. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, golfing, tennis and bowling.

James is survived by his beloved wife Loretta; cherished children Jennifer Smith of Warren, James Scott Smith (Stephen Clark) of Florida, and Steven (Theresa) Smith of Warren; grandchildren Kristin Lewicki and Amanda Lewicki; great-grandson Brandon Cliburn; and sister Charlene (Gary) Gretel of Elk Rapids. He was preceded in death by his grandson Nicholas Lewicki.

A funeral mass will be at 10:00am Saturday, August 16th at St. Roch Catholic Church with Fr. George Amos presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:00am Saturday at church and continue until the time of the mass.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish or Caseville Food Pantry.