James Smiley

OBITUARY OF JAMES J. SMILEY
On December 9, 2011, age 73 of Shelby Twp., MI formerly of Munhall. Pennsylvania passed away after a 6 1/2 year courageous battle with melanoma cancer. The son of the late Joseph and Sue Smiley and preceded in death by his brother, Robert Smiley. Survivors include his beloved companion Sharon Crawford, sister, Sally Smiley and children, Suzanne Haller, Christopher Smiley, former spouse, Helen Smiley and four grandchildren. Jim graduated from California University in Physics and attended graduate studies from John Hopkins University, Rochester University and Penn State. He spent his career in Research & Engineering, Aerospace, Teaching, Technical Representative, Sales Representative, Estate Planning Representative and Owner/President of a medical sales service and supply company. Jim was a resilient survivor participating in many melanoma cancer protocols and medical programs over 6 years to help further the medical knowledge and progress for future melanoma cancer patients. He possessed a tremendous mind with a quest for knowledge and would list and organize what he would challenge every day with his positive attitude toward life. As a problem solver and redesigning anything, his friends called him "professor". He enjoyed boating and was a member of Bayside Yacht Club.One of his on-going projects was writing a book about his long journey with melanoma cancer. Visitation Tuesday 2-9 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd. 3 blks E. of Van Dyke Utica. Services Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at funeral home. Memorials suggested to Hospice of Michigan or Autism Society. Share a memory at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com