James Baney

James M. “Mike” Baney age 74, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI. A private family burial will take place at Fritz Cemetery.

Mike was born in New Castle, IN on October 21, 1943, the son of James and Lydia (Brooks) Baney.  Mike graduated from Carson City High School with the class of 1963.  On January 29, 1965, Mike married Jayne Rodenbo at Mt. Hope United Brethren Church, Carson City, MI. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was drafted in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War.  Mike worked for General Motors for 35 years retiring in 1999.

Mike was passionate about hot rods and owned several.  He loved hunting, fishing, building dune buggies, camping, and snowmobiling.  He especially enjoyed coaching his daughter’s softball teams.

He is survived by his wife Jayne Baney of Ithaca, MI, daughters; Tema Crowell of Ithaca, MI, and Tessa and Joel Zuker of Ithaca, MI, 2 grandchildren; Cody (Rebecca) Crowell of Fowler, MI, and Kaden Crowell of Charleston, SC, and his great granddaughter Kayleigh, and sisters; Dinah McCracken of Carson City, MI, and Marilyn and Sam Andrews of Perrinton, MI.  James was preceded death by his parents, and brothers; Jack and Phil Baney.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mid Michigan Hospice or Woodland Hospice, Mt. Pleasant, MI. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.