Donald James Smith Ii

Smith, Donald James II

Age 74 of Jackson, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 5, 2021 surrounded by his loving family after losing his hard fought battle with cancer. JimDon, as he was widely known (also Jim, Jimmy, Don, Emu Grandpa, and Holy Katoot!), was born on January 6, 1947 in Alpena, Michigan to Ruthelma (née Dawe) and Donald James Smith. His family relocated to Midland, Michigan when he was a young boy and he graduated from Midland High School in 1965 as a star athlete (football, basketball, track). He enlisted in the US Army where he became a commissioned officer and helicopter pilot serving several tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded many medals for his bravery and heroism during his military career. He returned to civilian duty as a Major and began his career with Consumer Energy. He spent 25 years in different roles within Human Resources, finally retiring as Labor Relations Director. Throughout his career, he was known for his ability to develop relationships resulting in positive experiences across all levels of the organization - union and management combined. Many of these relationships had developed into lifelong friendships. Living life with gusto and unapologetically defined the essence of JimDon. Fishing, hunting (especially with his son and grandsons), attending his many talented grandchildren's sporting events and dance recitals, watching tons of professional/college sports teams, showing up his grandsons in golf were a few of his passions! JimDon was involved with several other leagues with his group of buddies including Euchre, golf and pool. He never met a stranger!

JimDon is survived by his beautiful bride of 40 years, Portia (née Ford) and their children: Nicole (Joe Ludwig) Smith, Hedy (Benjamin) Felton, and Donald James (Jill) Smith III. He leaves to mourn his loss grandchildren: Danielle (Jason) Turman, Lizabeth (Craig) Vanbogelen,Adam (Nichole) Collins, DJ (Julia Capeneka) Smith, Hunter Haluch, Skylar Haluch, Morgan Felton, and Rylee Felton. He also leaves great-grandchildren: Luther and Calvin Vanbogelen, Paisley and Blake Collins, and Baby Boy Turman. He is also survived by brothers Chuck (Sue), Randy (Ellen) and Martin (Liz) Smith and numerous sister and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves many amazing life-long friends who have supported him throughout his illness. JimDon was predeceased by his parents, parents-in-law Eula and Joseph Ford, brother-in-law Joseph Ford and nephew Evan Smith.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held for JimDon at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church officiated by Father Tim Nelson on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am. Fellowship and lunch to follow at the church. Funeral arrangements were made in partnership with Desnoyer Funeral Home, Jackson, Michigan.

The family has requested donations made to The Wounded Warrior Project in lieu of flowers at JimDon's wishes. Link below:
https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Donald-James-Smith-II

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned For 131 Years