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December 4, 1953 – November 12, 2024

Timothy Harold Smith, aged 70, passed away on November 12, 2024. Born on December 4, 1953, Tim grew up and spent his life in the Cassopolis, Michigan community. He was known for his love of family, deep appreciation of nature, and humorous storytelling. Tim and Jill were married just after high school and recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary. Jill was the true love of his life, along with his two daughters Melanie and Katie and his grandson Valor. In recent years visiting with Valor (age 7) was his favorite way to spend time. His friends were like family to him and some of the most meaningful friends in his life passed before him while many survive him.

Tim was a fourth-generation farmer in Penn Township. He spent his early years working on the family farm before purchasing his own land and starting Big Cottonwood Farms with his wife Jill. Later in life he transitioned to a 15-year tenure as a production supervisor at Michiana Box and Crate.

His passion for the outdoors was evident through his hobbies. His love of birds was infectious, inspiring many members of his extended family to fall in love with birds as well.

His daughter Melanie is a scientist specializing in bird conservation and digital mapping and his daughter Katie is a software engineer.

He often took the family camping up north–he was always the first one up in the] morning, preparing an early breakfast and singing songs until everyone emerged from the tent. He took the girls fishing often when they were kids, and in his later years boating around local lakes with Jill and their friends was his favorite hobby. He also loved natural history, meteorology, and maps. He was the family trip planner and weather man, with a sign above his desk that read “Tim Smith’s Map & Weather Headquarters.” He knew a lot about local history and Native American artifacts.

He cared deeply about current events, social justice, and protecting the environment. Aside from these hobbies, Tim was known for his humor.

He was both serious and light-hearted. Many will remember him best for frequent emails and phone calls just to share a funny story, talk about a new bird at the feeder, or share something interesting that he had learned.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Smith; daughters Melanie (Sarah Venator) Smith and Katie Krupa; grandson Valor Krupa; and siblings, Mike (Beverly) Smith and Sally (Jamie) Stone and Debbie (widow of brother Dan) Smith; Jill’s siblings; and their many nieces and nephews. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Robin and Carol Smith, and his brother, Dan Smith. Tim’s memory will be cherished by those who knew him.

Following his wishes, the family will privately put his ashes in Dowagiac Creek at Russ Forest next spring when the migratory birds return.

For anyone wanting to support the family during this time, they ask that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Audubon Society in his honor.