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.

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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