James Nicewander

James Lee Nicewander age 56, of Perrinton, MI, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., with Mr. Chris McNeilly officiating.  Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from 6-8 P.M. and on Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at the funeral home.

James was born in Newport, Rhode Island on October 23, 1961, the son of James Leon Nicewander and Beverly Mae (Brown) Malek.

Jimmy enjoyed camping, fishing, family gatherings, cookouts and reunions. He was the designated photographer at family events using his Polaroid Camera to capture memories. He loved riding John Deere Tractors, swimming, Halloween, bowling, playing pool,  and country music; especially Johnny Cash. He enjoyed many cartoons, Scooby Doo being one of his favorites. Jimmy spent a lot of time at Freedom Acres in Ionia graduating in 1988. He then went on to EBI Breakthru in Belding, MI. In more recent years he spent time at the Great Center in Alma.

He is survived by his step-mother Priscilla Nicewander, of Ionia, MI, siblings; Tammy Nicewander and Victor Barber of Perrinton, MI, Harvey and Vicki  Nicewander of TN, and sisters; Annette Piper-Burns of Lansing, MI, Laura and Emil Nicewander-Carroll of Ionia, MI, Leslie (Michael Mansfield) Nicewander of Ionia, MI, nieces and nephews; Brandon (Monique Jorae) Feldpausch of Maple Rapids, MI, Amber Feldpausch of St. Johns, MI, Kodi Feldpausch of St. Johns, MI, Paige Feeley of Kalkaska, MI, Alessia (Johnny McMasters) Mason of Fowler, MI, Justin Nicewander of Grand Rapids, MI, Jennifer and Justin Horton of Port St. Lucie, FL, Joshua and Nicole Emery of Ionia, MI, Raymond Oakes of Lansing, MI, Anthony Burns of Lansing, MI, Alexander Graebner of Ionia, MI, and Camberlie Carroll of Ionia, MI. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.