Service Details
Visitation will be on Monday, September 2, 2024 from 4-7 PM at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Service will be at the Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois Street, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Pastor Anson Veenstra will be officiating. The service will be livestreamed: https://youtube.com/live/hVzW4CQRubU?feature=share
Memorial Suggestions
Memorial donations can be made in Jim’s name to the Racine Christian Reformed Church or Footprints Missions and Orphanage in Sierra Leone, Africa, c/o Kaitlyn Block, Executive Director, 3230 N. Reid Road, Alma, MI 48801. Footprints Missions and Orphanage was founded by Jim’s son, Dr. Jeff (Kathy) Smith.
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James Michael Smith, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather (Papa) and great-grandfather entered the glorious gates of heaven on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. He passed away at Froedtert Hospital with his wife Joyce at his side. He was 84 years old.
Jim was born November 13, 1939 to the late Dave and Eula Smith in Racine, WI. He married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Joyce Kuiper, daughter of the late Frank and Ann Kuiper. They married on March 10, 1961 at the Racine Christian Reformed Church and were happily married for 63 years.
Jim began his career at Twin Disc, Inc. working there for 33 years as a manufacturing manager. During his last 10 years at Twin Disc, Inc he was also elected to the Racine City Council which was part-time for 5 terms. He then took an early retirement to run for Mayor of the city of Racine. He was elected and served for another 8 years (2 terms) from 1995-2003. Jim then became a Realtor at Shorewest Realtors partnering with his daughter, Amy Karegeannes, as the “Father-Daughter Team”. He officially retired in December 2016.
Jim served in many areas all his life. He always said, “Life is not a spectator sport!”. He was a life-long member of the Racine Christian Reformed Church where he served as deacon, elder and chairman of committees. He served on the Board of Directors at Racine Christian School, Personnel Chairman and one of the founders of the Men’s Booster Club. When his boys were growing up, he coached for the YMCA Little League. He was a Racine Neighborhood Watch Captain, Racine Sesquicentennial Executive Committee, Governor’s Gang Violence Preventative Council, Racine Raider’s Board and Downtown Rotary Club. As Mayor, he led the Executive Management Team City Plan Commission, Community Development, Economic Development, Housing and Neighborhood Partnership, Water Wastewater Commissions, member of standing committees and more. He was awarded the John H. Batten Award for outstanding community service. As Mayor, he brought “Make a Difference Day” to the city of Racine receiving awards from 1995-1999 to Racine being named one of the top 10 volunteer communities in the nation with 9,000 volunteers.
Jim was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his wife, Joyce; their children, Dr. Jeff (Kathy) Smith, Tom Smith and Amy (George) Karegeannes; grandchildren, Dr. Josh (Savannah) Smith, Katie (Jordan) Block, Nate (Madeline) Smith, Olivia (Marshall) Nash, Sophia (Matt) Leppien, Ella Karegeannes, Jack Smith, Samantha (Micah) Carty and Nicky Smith; great-grandchildren, James, Leo, Marie, Reagan, Macy, Bella, Cameron, Lillian and soon to arrive Carter and Asher; brother, Gary (Ruth); brother-in law Harv Nichols, sister-in law and brother-in law Shirley (Dan) Petersen and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to parents and in-laws, he was preceded in death by brother Donald and sisters Pat, Mary Ann and Kathy.
Dee Djurovic and Bill McReynolds says
Dear Joyce, We’re so saddened at the news of Jim’s passing. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Jim was a wonderful person who will be deeply missed by all. It is a huge loss for our community as well. May your precious memories bring you peace and comfort.
Thinking of you and sending you our love and strength.
Love,
Dee and Mac
Tom, Janet (Hoff) & Andy Karkow says
To Joyce: Our condolences on your loss. What great memories to keep sharing. Thank you for the kindness toward our family. Mickey says “hi.”
Dan and Bonnie Mouw says
We are saddened by your loss. Jim was a wonderful man! We are so grateful for the certain hope we have of our future reunion because of Jesus !
Be assured of our prayers. We are out of town, so will not be at the visitation or funeral, but you are in our hearts and prayers.
Tammy Shepard says
Dear Joyce and family, Shep and I have very special memories working on Jim’s campaigns with you. We got to know you both, and felt very welcomed in your home and circles. We loved looking at early photos of Jim, as he reminded us of Buddy Holly. Knowing Jim is watching over you and your families brings us comfort. Heaven gained a great man, and you have gained the best guardian angel ever. Shep and I send our love and prayers to you all. We hope the flood of tributes, love for Jim, and your own beautiful memories give you a sense of peace. Love, Tammy and Rick Shepard
Rick Sill says
Joyce
I send my condolences to you and your family
I really miss the conversation you and Jim had with me at the Piggly Wiggly
Anonymous says
Joyce and family. I was so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. My heart aches for you. Jim was a wonderful person and this is a great loss to you and all who knew him. Praying for you all.
Mary Land
Cherri Chambliss says
Sending my sincere condolences to Joyce
Cameron Mckenna says
Jim Smith was a nice person he will miss best memories to you Joyce
Sam J. Aiello says
Jim Smith was the best boss I ever worked for! He will always be remembered!
Sam J. Aiello
Mike Feehrer says
Dear Jeff, Mrs. Smith, Tom, and Amy:
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your Dad. He was such a kind and wonderful man, and I have so many fond memories of him from our days at Prairie School. I remember how he would cheer us on from the sidelines when Jeff and I played basketball, always with a smile and words of encouragement. His great sense of humor and laughter made him a joy to be around, and he had a way of making everyone feel special.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I hope you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of him. God has, and will continue to bless him!
With deepest sympathy,
Mike Feehrer
🌹Charles and Glorious Hicks and Family🌹 says
We, Charles, Glorious, and Family, offer Our sincere condolences to the entire Smith Family. I recall Mr. Smith as Mayor. He was indeed such a mild mannered man. He always offered a warm smile. I am sure he will be missed. 🌟
Carolyn A Vinson says
🇺🇸 USA South Eastern Wisconsin THE BEST Is Gong To S😢😢n ,My Prayer 🙏Hugging, Godly Love ❤️ Is With You Mrs Smith And Your Families And Other That He Left A Great Impact Our Hearts ❤️ With So Many Wonderful History
Maken Memories Collection
Of Pictures, Well Known In Wisconsin Missing Your Beloved Husband As Our USA 🇺🇸 Formal Wonderful Mayor Of Racine Was One Of Racine Best Mayor That Had Great Leadership, Rest On!🙏 Mayor Smith Got On Your Angela Wing, Fly Away Fly Away To Your Brand New Heavenly Home RIp 8/27/24! 🇺🇸🙏🥰 )Carolyn64
Jim 'DOC' Poplawski says
Deepest Sympathy on your loss. In 1999 Fiat bought
Case and announced they were going to close our Racine Tractor Plant & sell our foundry. I was President of UAW Local 180. After we ratified an agreement to keep tractor production in Racine Jim was the only elected official who called me and said ” please thank your leadership & membership for keeping these jobs in Racine “.
Jim ‘DOC’ Poplawski, Chairman, UAW Local 180 Retirees
Tom Eeg says
My condolences to the family.
I did appreciate working for him at the City and recall that he always did what he could to accommodate the needs of the citizens and made great improvements to the City.
I will always cherish the time I spent with this kind and thoughtful person!
Doug Aldrink says
Dear Joyce and Family,
Reflecting on our King’s heavenly greeting is very comforting: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
Pastor Doug
Mike & Jenni Simsack says
Dear Smith Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mike & Jenni (McGee) Simsack
Bob Bagley says
Dear Smith Family,
Jim was a thoughtful, effective and considerate leader as Mayor of Racine. He treated the staff with respect and would ask intelligent questions about various programs in public health. He understand that public health is a protective profession – for all who live in our community. He wasn’t afraid to make a decision- after he had the information he needed.