James M. Smith

James M. Smith, 65, passed away, Thursday, October 10, 2024, at his home in Auburn, Indiana.

He was born on April 22, 1959, in Bryan, Ohio.

James worked for the Newnam Foundry in Kendallville for five years, Starcraft Vans in Goshen for 10 years and started as a CNC machine operator for Linamar in Avilla and was currently a material handler for Linamar.

James enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, racing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his mother, Shirley J. (Ickes) Kunce; partner, Dawn Simmons of Auburn; four children, Jamie M. (John Eckert) Martinez of Garrett, Ryan J. Smith of Garrett, Josh L. (Tabitha) Newman of Garrett, and Heather M. (Joe Tempel) Newman of Auburn; eight grandchildren, Haley M. Simmons, Kolton X. Martinez, Bryan R. Eckert, Chad M. Smith, Audrea M. Newman, Addelyn S. Newman, Kayla Hursey and Karlee Hursey; great grandson, Leo Atchley; four siblings, Mary A. (Rock) Blaskie of Kendallville, Kathy M. (Paul) Birchman of Kendallville, Thomas J. Kunce of Decatur, Alabama and Shar J. (Steve) Ley of Olive Branch, Mississippi; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James M. Smith; step-father, Thomas J. Kunce; wife, Judy A. Sparkman; son, Brian Hursey; and a sister, Peggy Messer.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with visitation from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Michael Plummer will be officiating.

Burial will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn.

Visitation will be from 3 – 7 Monday, October 14, 2024, at the funeral home.  

Memorials may be directed to Parkview Home Health and Hospice 1836 Ida Red Road, Kendallville, Indiana 46755.

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