James Gilbert Smelser, age 89 of Harrison Township, passed away May 26, 2021 at McLaren Macomb, Mount Clemens.

James was born in a farm house about 3 miles northeast of Trail City, Corsin County, South Dakota. The 5th of six children born to Ida D. (Amundson) Smelser and Gilbert Alvin Smelser.

James attended school thru the 5th in Trail City. The family then moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1944. In 1946, they spent the year with Nordhal Amundson and family and went to the farm school with Edith Amundson, who was the school teacher. They had twelve children and at least one child in each grade.

James was drafted into the service on October 27, 1954 (Korean War). He spent two years as a tank mechanic between Ft. Knox, Kentucky and Ft. Lewis, Washington. James then went into the fencing business in 1955. After that he went into the Roofing Business with his three brothers, Duane, Don and Bob in 1958. They named the business after themselves, Smelser Roofing Company. James retired in 1993.

James married Shirley Janet (Eby) in 1956, adopting her son, Michael. Six children were then born.

Mr. Smelser is survived by daughter, Dawn Marie (Smelser) Clark; sons, James Alvin Smelser and Christopher Brian Smelser; and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; children, Sean Allen, Ronald Steven, Michael David and Brent Nelsen; sisters, Patricia Stone and Laura Lee Smelser, and brothers, Donald, Robert and Duane.

Visiting hours are 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Will and Schwarzkoff Funeral Home, 233 Northbound Gratiot, Mount Clemens. Burial will follow at Clinton Grove Cemetery, Clinton Township.