James Edward Smith, age 44, of Big Rapids went to be with His Lord, on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Metron of Big Rapids. He was born on November 22, 1967 in Lansing, Michigan. James was the son of LeRoy W. Smith and Lora J. Keeton. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1985 and made his home in the Lansing area. James was an independent painter for apartment complexes in the Lansing and Grand Rapids areas before moving to Rodney. When James was younger he loved to race and travel the country on motorcycles with his sister. James was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also liked music and dancing. James is survived by three children: Justin James Smith (Stephanie) and their daughter Haden of Eaton Rapids, Joshua James Smith (Taylor) and their son Hunter James Smith of St. Cloud, FL and one daughter Jessica Smith of St. Cloud, FL; his mother Lora Keeton of Haslett; his beloved sister Wendy Lee Smith of Ohio; one niece Amber Potter; Aunt Connie Keeton and Uncle Stan Freelan of Chippewa Lake. James was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Owen and Edna Keeton. James was loved by many of the residence and staff at Metron (725 Fuller Ave.), where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2012. Memorial donations in James's name can be made to Heartland Hospice of Fremont or Metron of Big Rapids.