James Smith

In the 1970's James Allen Smith was our minister at Commerce United Methodist Church in Commerce Township, MI. It was a critical time in the church; the congregation was divided. Rev. Jim's calm, demeanor and leadership with specific members helped healing overtime. Jim and wife Betsy became our close friends, We considered them our brother and sister, Their two children were/ are contemporaries of our four. They attended the same elementary school. They maintain contact today. Jim officiated at the marriage of our third daughter in 1990. When her two children were babies, Jim baptized each one near the Huron River in Mill Race Park near our 1848 home in Commerce Village. In 1993 Jim officiated at our son's marriage in Austin, TX. I encouraged Jim in his later years to write poetry. Another daughter helped publish a book of his beautiful free verse poems. He learned much about himself as we do as we age. Life-long learning is a main goal in life The whole Donigan family and beloved friends remember the smiling. compassionate Rev. Jim. He lives in their hearts and minds. . Don and Hannah Donigan