Charles James Michael

     Charles James "Jim" Michael, age 96, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot, Alma, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI, at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Burial will take place at Jasper Township Cemetery, Jasper Twp., MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. 
     Jim was born in Alma, Michigan on January 4, 1930, the son of Earl and Augusta (Deline) Michael. Jim graduated from St. Louis High School. He married Roberta Ann Pernish, on January 31, 1959, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owosso, MI. They were blessed with sixty-six years of marriage, and she survives him.
    He was a lifelong farmer and spent many winters plowing snow for family and friends. He was a jack of trades and could fix anything. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and riding around on his golf cart checking on the farmers. He especially enjoyed his cottage on Silver Lake.
     He is survived by his wife Roberta Michael; his children: Gregory (Lisa) Michael, and Patti (Brett) Colbry; his grandchildren: Nichole (John) Henry, Caitlyn Patterson, Ryan (Maddi) Patterson; his great-grandchildren: Molly Rule, Alexis Rule, Tekoha Henry, Kenadie Henry, and Karder Henry, and his siblings: Carla DeMott and Joanne Peet. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Augusta Michael, his son Christopher Michael, his sister Muriel Raycraft and father and mother-in-law Rudy and Margaret Pernish.
     Memorials may be made to a Charity of the Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.