James M. Smith, 78, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

James Michael Smith was born Aug. 12, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Ambrose and Florence (Neist) Smith. He married Diann L. Schroeder on June 22, 1968. Jim was employed for over 40 years at Hormel, retiring in 2006. He loved riding his motorcycle, snowmobiling, cruising in his Corvette, going to car shows and snowmobile drag races. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and wrestling.

Survivors include a daughter, Cindy (Derek) Skolte of Austin; sons, Tracy (Kerry) Smith of Rochester, Minnesota, and Randy (Deidre) Smith of Austin; eight grandchildren, Brittany Skolte, Alicia Skolte, Daniel Smith, Zach Skolte, Diann Smith, Cael Smith, Keira Smith, and Kameron Smith; sisters-in-law, Carol Smith, Keiko Smith, and Gloria Smith; and many other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by wife Diann; parents, Ambrose and Florence; sister, Linda; and brothers, Charles, Dennis, Raymond and Patrick.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, with Father James Steffes officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 4, and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. A prayer service will be held at 6:45 p.m., Thursday, May 4 at Worlein Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.