James "Eugene" E. Smith

James Eugene Smith, age 77, of Sturgis, MI passed away at 9:30pm, August 13, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN.  Eugene was born on January 31, 1945 in Vincennes, IN to Jerry and Helen P. (Dettrow) Smith.  On March 25, 1966, he married Connie Harrold.  “Blue Gene,” worked at Grumman Olson for 21 years and was forced to retire in 1999 due to health complications.  Eugene was a member of Church of the True God in Wolcottville, IN.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, NASCAR, basketball, and spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Survivors include his wife of over 56 years, Connie Smith, his daughters, Helen (Nick) LaForce, Joyce (Marty) Smith both of Sturgis, MI, son, James (Stephanie) Smith Jr. of Sturgis, MI, Adopted son, Dave Reitzel of Perrysburg, OH, canine companion, Polly, 10 Grandchildren; Charles, Brittany, Gary, Chris, Brooke, Brooke, Skyler, Tara, Killian, Kenny, Kenzy, great-grandchildren; Elijah, Riley, and more, 4 half-siblings; Ben, Jerry, Joe, and Mary.  Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Joylee Linnenbury and Joyce Wolverton, brother-in-laws, Fred Linnenbury and Jerry Wolverton. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 2:00pm-6:00pm with an evening service at 6:00pm at Church of the True God, north of South Milford. 

Funeral service will take place on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00am at Church of the True God.

Burial will take place at Ontario Cemetery.

Officiating the services will be Kenneth Beverly and for the evening services will be Wayne Johnson, and Robert (Wade) Sturdivant. 

Pallbearers will be James Smith, Skyler Smith, Charles Graff, Kerby Smith, Kenny Collins, and Kevin Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Herman Smith, Roy Smith, Larry Smith, and Dave Reitzel.

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association or to the Church.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.hessfuneralhome.com or find us on www.facebook.com

Arrangements and care trusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of LaGrange, IN. 

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