James Stuart Smith

Jim was born on June 20, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan, to William Smith and Wetona “Toni” Smith-Becker. Jim graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1958 and went on to graduate from Green’s Barber College. Jim began his working life as a barber and owned his own barbershop in downtown Grand Haven, Michigan, before transitioning to a long and successful career with Allstate Insurance.

On May 25, 1963, Jim married the love of his life, Barbara Livesay. Together, they built a life and a family. They were blessed to share 63 years of marriage.

Jim will be deeply loved and missed by his wife, Barbara; his son, Bill Smith, and daughter-in-law, Jody Smith; and his daughter, Kelly Carrier, and son-in-law, Ken Carrier.

He was a proud and loving Grandpa to Nicholas Smith and his wife, Elizabeth; Victoria Keyser and her husband, Aaron; Samantha Johnson and her husband, Stephen; Rachel Gebolys; Benjamin Gebolys and his fiancée, Kyra Ni; and Jacob Smith and his wife, Autumm.

One of Jim’s greatest blessings was becoming “G2” to his 13 great-grandchildren: Ezekiel, Abel, Beatrice, and Jonah Keyser; Arwen, Jacoby, Eema, and Huxley Smith; and Reilly, Nora, Amelia, Oscar, and Brady Johnson- who was born on the very day Jim went home to be with the Lord.

Jim had a love of flying and was a member of the West Michigan Flying Club. He was proud of his work with Wings of Mercy. He was a lifetime member of the Elks club and member of several other organizations. If there was a club to join, Jim was a member.

Jim’s life was one of family, hard work, and love. He leaves behind a family who will carry his memory, his stories, and the love he gave them. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Jim’s life on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Bella Maria Event Center 513 W. Pontaluna Road, Norton Shores, MI. Eulogy will begin at 3:00 p.m. with a meal to follow. Come to fellowship, share memories and celebrate a life well lived.