Scott Smith

Scott Douglas James Smith, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2026 at the age of 53. Scott was born on December 10, 1972 in Jackson, MI. He was the youngest of three boys of Kathleen Diane (Kelley) Smith and James Bradford Smith. He attended Ezra Eby Elementary and Napoleon Middle and High Schools, where his academic, athletic and artistic talents were well recognized. He was on the football, track and wrestling teams, and earned numerous medals. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a concentration in drawing. He dedicated this degree to his late mother, who was also recognized for her artistic talent. His career, however, led him to finance, where his cheerful, outgoing nature and attention to detail led to great success.

Scott was known for his sharp wit, keen observations and love for music and beer. He enjoyed classic rock, Christian music, and playing golf and video games. He attended Calvary Church, where he served as a volunteer. He was baptized on July 20, 2008. A long illness robbed him of his cognitive ability and physical health, until he was called home to his Heavenly Father, to be free and whole again. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen; grandparents Paul LaVerne and Eva Christine (Molden) Kelley and Claude L. and Mary A. (Ball) Smith. He is survived by his beloved children, Cohl and James Smith, and their mother; his father and stepmother, James and Judy Smith; his brothers Craig (Mindy) and Jeff (Amber) Smith, and a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on February 6, 2026, at Calvary Church (707 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525) at noon, followed by a service at 1:00pm.

Donations can be made in memory of Scott Smith to the APS Foundation of America (apsfa.org) or the Calvary Church Benevolent Fund (calvarygr.org/next-steps/giving/).

“In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Psalm 118: 5-6