Jay Franklin Smith

Jay Franklin Smith, of Vicksburg passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the age of 84. He was born in Huntington, IN and was the sole child of Claude W. and Elizabeth (Keifer) Smith. He grew up in Jackson, MI and Kalamazoo, MI. He moved to Barton Lake in the Vicksburg area in 1993.

Jay was a 57-year member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 357, until he retired in 1999 from Mall City Mechanical. Jay was an avid fisherman, both on ice and water and loved to bass fish. He also loved woodworking and any project he could get his hands on. He was a sports fan, enjoyed watching the University of Michigan football and watching women’s softball. Jay was a member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law: Dan Ramlow. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Anne (VandeMaele); five children: Tammy Ramlow, of Scotts; Laurie (Mike Fortuna) Smith, of Mesa AZ; Christopher (Mary) Smith, of Schoolcraft; Bonnie (Bill) Loveland, of Plainwell; Kelly (Mike) Hinga, of Portage; eight grandchildren: John Ramlow, Susie Bauman, Jason Smith, Nichole Kladder, Megan Danks, Mark Loveland, Matthew Loveland and Lydia Hinga; and 12 great great grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Jake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 11am at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 East W Ave, Vicksburg. There will be a visitation on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm with a rosary at 7pm at the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Vicksburg.

Please go to www.amsfuneralhomes.com where you can sign Jay’s guestbook, read his full obituary, and share a memory with his family. In lieu of flowers, those that wish may make contributions to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.

The Smith family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.