James Smeenge

JAMES SMEENGE January 14,1913 - June 15, 2014 James ""Jim"" Smeenge, age 101, went to be with the Lord, June 15, 2014 from natural causes. Jim was born in Portage, MI. and raised in Holland, MI. where he married Joan Knoll. They moved to Miami in the 40""s where Jim owned and operated a service station. They moved again in 1964 to Immokalee, FL where he worked for Farmers"" Production Credit Association. After retiring in 1970, they moved to Orlando and were very active in the John Knox Presbyterian Church where Jim served as an Elder. Their last move was to Lakeland in 2005 to be closer to their daughter Barbara. They loved to travel, taking their camper across the U.S. and always returning to Michigan to visit family and their many loved nieces and nephews. Jim enjoyed playing golf and watching baseball-especially when played by his grandchildren. James is survived by his daughter, Barbara Smeenge McCarthy(Bill), Lakeland, son James Smeenge Jr.(Betty), Orlando; grandchildren: Elizabeth Smeenge Heiden(Matt), Auburn, GA. Wm. Douglas McCarthy(Jean), Valrico, Greg McCarthy, Okeechobee, Jimmy Smeenge(Laura) ,West Palm Beach, John Rogers Smeenge(Sarah), Orlando, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his beloved wife of 74 years, Joan Knoll, 5 brothers and a great-grandson, Zachary McCarthy. A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Monday, June 23rd at First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, (175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland 33801) or to the Infant Child Care Center of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, (106 East Church Street, Orlando, Florida 32801). Service: 06/23/2014 First Presbyterian Church Lakeland, Florida