James Morgan Riness, II

     James Morgan Riness, II, age 67, of St. Johns, MI, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025. He went peacefully at home after a long battle with a traumatic brain injury. Jim was surrounded with love and support from his family and friends during these difficult times.
     A Celebration of Life will be held at Maple Rapids Community Center, 209 W. Union Street, Maple Rapids, MI at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Celebrant Leslie Charles will officiate a small service beginning at 2:00 P.M. with dinner to follow. Jim's family encourages people to come and share their stories.
     James was born in Flint, Michigan on August 23, 1958, the son of James Morgan and Florence Frieda (Ratzlaff) Riness. He was a graduate of Bentley High School in Burton, MI with the Class of 1976. On July 18, 1981, he married the love of his life, Kimberly Brown in Flint, MI. They were married for forty-four years and blessed with two beautiful daughters.
     Jim retired from Young Supply Company in Lansing, MI in April of 2022, after 42 years. He started as a truck driver working his way up to manager. Jim managed the Lansing branch of the company for 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Jim was an avid coin collector and had affection for antiques. During his free time, he loved to attend tractor pulls and car shows, Jim took pride in his 1982 Corvette. He also enjoyed frequent visits to Soaring Eagle Casino. Jim loved to garden and he enjoyed eating the fresh items he grew. Jim found pleasure in the hunt for morel mushrooms at home, and up north during mushroom season. He was very handy and could fix anything, so much so he earned the nickname MacGyver.
     He is survived by his wife Kim Riness of St. Johns, MI; his daughter Shanda Riness of St. Johns, MI; his daughter Heather and AJ Harris of Maple Rapids, MI; 2 grandsons: Kayden and Sonny; his sister Dawn and Ed Davis of Flint, MI; his brother Mike and Beth Riness of Mayville, MI. Jim is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and special friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, and his in-laws.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Biami.org or Elara Hospice 3100 West Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.