James Dale Smith, age 51, of Adrian, passed away after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, January 29, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 27, 1961, in Adrian, MI, to J.D. & Classie (Cottoms) Smith. James loved his family, boxing & watching sports, playing chess, cars & music. He attended Adrian High School and graduated in 1980. James enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country from 1980 to 1984. James left to cherish his memory, his mother, Classie Smith of Adrian, one brother, Lacy J. Smith of Toledo, OH, three sisters, Barbara J. Patterson of Adrian, Joyce (Ron) Burrell of Lincoln Park, MI and JoAnn Smith of Adrian, three sons, Michael

Swassey of Wayne, MI, James R. Walker & Michael W. Walker both of Detroit, MI, five nephews, Scott J. Smith of Adrian, MI, David L. (Monica) Smith of Wauseon, OH, Jason B. (Yessica) Hicks of Killen, TX, Mario L. (Lori) Patterson of Adrian and Lacey J. Smith of Scranton, PA, two nieces, Brittny C. Smith of Scranton, PA and Marquita L. Harris of Kalamazoo, MI, seven great nieces, Taylor S. Smith, Tabitha R. Smith, Talia L. Smith, Tamera R. Smith all of Wauseon, OH, Ananda H. Hicks of Baltimore, MD, Andra E. Patterson of Adrian, MI, and Amirah C. Logan of Kalamazoo, four great nephews, Naseem X. Smith and Zion A. McCullough both of Scranton, PA, Torren B. Hicks of Baltimore, MD and Julius A. Patterson of Adrian, MI. James was preceded in death by his father, J.D. Smith, his grand parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be on Friday, February 1, 2013, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, February 2, 2013, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian with Bishop Robert Bernard & Rev. Russell Henagan, Jr. both officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Great Lake Hospice. Condolences may be offered to the family online at: www.PurseFuneralHome.com