James “Jim” Joseph Smullen III of Fort Myers, Florida and Elk Rapids, Michigan passed away quietly in palliative care at Muson Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan on February 4, 2016. Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 24, 1934 to Dr. and Mrs. (Jean Colacicco) James J. Smullen II. He was the first of five children. In his younger years, Jim moved with his family from Chicago to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin where he eventually graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952.
During his younger years, Jim was an excellent marksman and won the Wisconsin Rifle and Pistol Association Small Bore Championship when he was seventeen. Jim was also an accomplished swimmer competing at the state level and winning many medals for his team.
After high school, Jim attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin where he met and fell in love with Sheila Schwandt. Jim received his BA degree in 1956 and entered the army immediately following his graduation. He was assigned to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Â Subsequently, Jim was assigned to the main Army Recruiting Station in Chicago, Illinois.
In June of 1957, Jim married Sheila Schwandt in Campbellsport, Wisconsin and together they moved to Wilmette, Illinois. One year later, Jim finished his time in the service and began his career in the marine insurance field. Over the years, Jim moved from Chicago to Cleveland, Detroit, and finally to Philadelphia, receiving a promotion with each move. His final position was that of Regional Marine Manager for the Insurance Company of North America (now CIGNA). It is from this position that he retired in December of 1995.
After retirement, Jim moved to North Fort Myers, Florida and began spending his summers in Elk Rapids, Michigan near his daughter Jeanne (Lynn) Marshall and his granddaughter Maggie. Jim loved boating, reading, spending time on the water, and spoiling his granddaughter.
Jim was predeceased by his parents James J and Jean Smullen, his sister Annette (Duane) Atwater, and his wife Sheila. He is survived by his brothers, Bill (Kathy), George (Lori) and Peter (Linda) Smullen, his brother-in-law Duane Atwater, numerous nieces and nephews, his daughter Jeanne (Lynn) Marshall and his granddaughter Maggie Marshall.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 AM at Twohig Funeral Home, 109 West Main Street, Campbellsport, Wisconsin. Rev. Paula Anderson will officiate and burial in Union Cemetery, Campbellsport, Wisconsin, will follow.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Munson Hospice or The National Kidney Foundation.