James Smigielski

James Patrick Smigielski, age 77 of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice following complications from a stroke. Jim was born on May 11, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Clarence "Clem" and Stanlina "Stella" (Glebocki) Smigielski. Jim graduated from Farmington High School in 1965 and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 1970. Jim also served in the U.S. Army. On June 16, 1973, Jim married Beatrice Mennega at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The family later became members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. After graduating from WMU, Jim worked as a sales engineer for several years. He then started his own business that specialized in publishing high school and college sports programs. Jim was intelligent and had a strong work ethic. He also had great wit and a wonderful sense of humor. These traits characterized his life and successful career. In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed swimming, water sports, and boating on Crooked Lake. He also enjoyed traveling with his family to various destinations around the world. The biggest loves of his life were his wife, Bea, and his children and grandchildren. He would always say that he lived for his family, and his actions certainly reflected it. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Bea; his children: Michael (Samantha) Smigielski, Laurie Smigielski, and Jeffrey (Michelle) Smigielski; his grandchildren: Andrew Smigielski, Evie Smigielski, Cooper Smigielski, and Cora Smigielski; his sister Patricia Beckley; his brother Robert Smigielski, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marsha (William) Himmelsbach. In accordance with Jim's wishes, a private family graveside service will take place at Hudson Corners Cemetery in Allegan, Michigan. Friends are invited to visit with Jim's family to celebrate his life on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, located at 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html