JAMES SMICK's Obituary
James F. Smick
James F. Smick, 84 years of age, of Appleton, WI passed away suddenly Monday, November 28, 2016. Born Sept 29, 1932 in Oshkosh, WI to late James and Barbara (Schmitz) Smick. James married Catherine Beck on July 21, 1956 at St. Mary’s Church in Oshkosh, WI. They had 5 children and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Catherine also passed suddenly 4 days prior.
James is survived by children: James (Marcia), Cathysue (Kent), Stephen (Dawn), Thomas, Jeffrey (Sharon) Smick; grandchildren: Amanda, Kevin, Daniel, Alexandra, Stephanie Smick, Timothy Kafka; step grandchildren: Christie, Jackie and Allie Schmidt; sister Barbara Knobloch, brothers Robert (Marge), George (Rita) Smick.
James has deceased sister Patricia (Smick) Beck.
James spent 2 years in US Navy Reserves commissioned to sea duty in 1950. He earned a BS in Mathematics and Physics (Univ. of Wisconsin, 1954) and a MS in Statistics (Rutgers Univ. NJ, 1967). Jim worked 38 years as senior Quality Control Engineer and auditor for Bell Labs/Western Electric/AT&T. He was also a contributing and senior teaching member in American Society for Quality Control (ASQC). James began career with Bell Labs in the Madison, WI, then transferred with his family to Middleton, NJ in 1962, and then finally to St. Charles, IL in 1967. While in St. Charles, James became involved at St. Patrick’s Church as lector, and later joined Resurrection Parish in Wayne, IL. actively involved in music liturgy group singing and playing guitar. James served as 5th Ward Alderman in St. Charles 1974 to 1982. He was chairman of Public Works and Public Safety committees; headed Planning Committee which brought first West Side shopping center to St. Charles. For several years James owned a lake house as a retreat location on Lake Winnebago in Neenah, WI., where he and his wife enjoyed many good times.
In 1995, with his wife he retired to Oregon, WI. where James continued to pursue many interests including, gardening, traveling, fishing, cars, baking, guitar playing, singing, reading history books, and politics….. In his younger days, he loved to play football, basketball, racket ball, ice skate, table tennis, and loved to jog. He was a man of many talents and truly loved every opportunity he encountered.
Most recently, James and Catherine lived at Appleton Retirement Center, in Appleton WI where both were cherished by the residents; Jim for his intellect, wit and humor, Catherine for her warm loving smile and generous heart. As a couple they complimented each other to perfection. James deeply loved and cherished his wife every day they were together.
James will be missed deeply while being remembered for his, wit, generosity, laughter, and mostly for being the “ROCK” of the family.
Memorial service for James and Catherine is planned for Friday, December 9th, 12:30 PM at Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 S Westhaven Dr., Oshkosh, WI 54904. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 AM until the hour of services. Memorials can be made in their names to the Arthritis Foundation or Alzheimer Foundation of America.
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