Dr. James Edward Paul Smithers
May 8, 1932 – August 30, 2024
At the age of 92, Jim Smithers ended an active and adventurous life. He spent his early years in London, Ontario and was most fortunate to meet his wife – Marcella Ann Schalip from Galion, Ohio – when they both attended The University of Michigan in the mid 1950’s. Together, they raised five fine children – Kristen, Lynette, James Jr., John and Andrew while engaging in two long and productive teaching careers. This diverse and quite energetic family supported and often took part in his many and varied adventures. These included a variety of athletic, military and educational endeavours as well as Tall Ship Ocean sailing, cross-Canada canoeing, heritage snowshoe expeditions, cycling journeys, hiking and backpacking trips, cruises, train adventures, RV explorations and countless long-distance travels by car. (His wife was most accommodating and forbearing during these adventures).
Various combinations of family members moved fifteen times over the years as he attended and/or taught in a great collection of Universities, Community Colleges, High Schools, Private Educational Institutions and Outdoor Education and Adventure Programs. Two most formative activities were his extensive year-round employment at Silverwoods Dairies during his High School years, and a brief experience in the Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot Training Program at Claresholm, Alberta.
Busy travel, reading, gardening, exercising and family activities kept him healthy and happy well into old age. An inquisitive mind and a restless nature facilitated this rather migratory lifestyle which generated an equally curious and adaptive lifestyle among his wife and five children. Many Thanks to the family, friends, co-workers, corporate and government sponsors and countless students who facilitated and often took part in his many and varied life experiences.
At the top of his recommended reading list would be “Great Adventures That Changed Our World – The World’s Great Explorers, Their Triumphs and Tragedies”
Bon Voyage and Safe Travels to an extraordinary man.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com
