Jack Edward Smith, age 83 of Wayland, died Sunday Jan. 24, after a brief battle with cancer.

After serving in the Marine Corps, Jack began working at the General Motors Diesel plant in Wyoming MI, retiring after 30 years of service. Jack pursued many interests during his life, including singing, hunting, fishing, wood and leather working and many others. It was his passion for fishing that led him to start and operate a charter fishing business where he earned the nickname “Captain Jack.”

Born in Detroit Michigan on March 31, 1931, he was the son of Roy and Margaret (Strieter) Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Deb Smith; the mother of his children, Shirley Smith; his five children; Diane Smith, Lori Smith Martin, Rick Smith (Marcy), Ron (Laurie) Smith and Cyndi Smith (Tony); his two step-children Olaf (Kemesha) Johnson and Brit (Jimmy) Johnson-Hedges; his Grandchildren, Angie VanLoozenoord (Jason) Greene, David VanLoozenoord, Adam Martin, Christine Martin Shambeau, Brian Martin, Tyler (Brittany) Martin, Lindsey Smith, Kara Smith, Courtney Smith, Christopher Smith, Cassandra Smith, Jenna Lahr, Jessica Lahr, Derek Lahr, Loralye Johnson, Olivia Johnson and Lars Johnson; his brother Jim (Donna) Smith and sister Marcie (Fred) Mulder, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Jack was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Bob Smith and great grandson Jordan Shambeau.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Donations can be made in Jack’s name to www.cancer.org/donate