D. James "Jim" Smith, Sr.

SMITH, D. James "Jim" - age 93, of Fenton, died May 25, 2021. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, May 28, 2021 at Fenton United Methodist Church, 119 S. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430 with Pastor Jeff Jaggers officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Fenton. Visitation will be held May 27 2021 from 4 - 7 PM at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, MI 48430. Visitation will also be held 10 - 11 AM Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (https://sp-foundation.org). Jim was born May 18, 1928 in Vassar, MI. He married Laura McCutcheon on August 5, 1955 and they had three children Carrie, Douglas James Jr. (DJ), and Patty. DJ preceded Jim and Laura in death on October 27, 1981. Laura passed on December 19, 2019. Jim leaves a legacy of love and integrity with his family and those who knew him. He brought light into every room he entered and shared joy with everyone he met.  From a young age Jim faced much adversity. Losing his left arm in a tragic accident the summer of 1935 shaped his life. Jim learned to fight for what he wanted, whether it was to become a published poet, hire someone he knew had great potential or improve his golf game. His work ethic, perseverance and resilience inspired all who knew his story. Jim was an incredibly dedicated husband. He met his beloved wife, Laura on a train headed to Ohio Wesleyan University in 1948. Their relationship set an example of an enduring power of love and commitment. Jim and Laura’s life together was full of successes, failures, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, loss, joy, business and a great deal of travel and fun. Jim had a great passion for business and formed Hunt-Smith Insurance Agency in 1968. In 1991 the business grew to include Jim’s son-in-law, and eventually became known as Smith-Peabody-Stiles Insurance. In addition to Jim’s business ventures he was also a accomplished golfer, poet, artist, skier, scuba diver, tennis player, and a lifelong learner who took an active effort in developing the positive mentality we all associate with him today. Surviving are: two daughters, Carrie (Smith) Grafft, Patty (Smith) and husband, Jim Peabody; six grandchildren, Lauren (Brandon) Peabody, Ryan (Natalie) Grafft, Grace Peabody, Kate Peabody, Claire Peabody, and Tessa Peabody; four great-grandchildren, Amelia Peabody, Cullen Peabody, James Peabody, and Evelyn Grafft. He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, DJ Smith; and wife, Laura Smith. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.