James A. Smith

He was born May 12, 1942, in Jackson, Mich., graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School and attended the University of Michigan, where he met his wife of 60 years, Lucia Santini Smith. Lucy and Jim were married in Iron Mountain, where Lucy grew up.

Jim graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and spent his career at Bodman in Detroit. He was known as an exceptional writer, a patient teacher of young associates, and a sought-after litigator. Jim’s true joy was his family, and he was “Papa” to 11 grandchildren. Jim loved Lucy’s homemade Italian food and always shared his gratitude for the food and family at his table.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother; and in-laws, Evelyn and John Santini of Iron Mountain.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy; his three children and their spouses, Matt (Kimberly) Smith of Healdsburg, Calif., Aaron (Amy) Smith of Royal Oak, Mich., and Rachel (Chris) Busby of Needham, Mass.; his 11 grandchildren, Asher (Cathy), Brennan, Regan, Aaron Jr., Summer, Owen, Isabel, and Henry Smith, and Kate, Anna and Tess Busby; his siblings; and his brothers-in-law, Joe Santini and Jim (Susan) Santini; and his extended family.

Further details can be found at www.verheyden.org.