Jim started his career working for the U.S. Border patrol and then moved on to the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Geological Survey and Federal Power Commission. In 1958 he started at the Corps of Engineers as a geologist with the Walla Walla district. After that he moved on to the Alaska, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh and Detroit districts and finally the Chicago District. He was a field geologist for every district except Chicago. When he arrived he became a contracting officer dealing with engineering contracts. Jim dedicated 31 years of his life to the Corps. "Every job is the people you work with, "he said, when ask what he remembers most about the district.

After retirement, Jim spent time traveling with his sisters and family. He loved an adventure and was always ready to go! He would research various locations and could regale you with stories of the local history and "land formations"!

In 2004 he sold his condominium in Arlington Heights and with the help of his sister Marguerite and his nephews Bill and Don, he packed up his collection of over 8,000 geological books and moved to Southern Illinois to live with his sister June Borgsmiller. Jim's fondness for Murphysboro was evident in his willingness to get involved. He transferred his membership to the First Presbyterian Church in Murphysboro and served as a ruling Elder on the church Session. He was a member of Murphysboro Lodge #498 A.F.&A.M. and enjoyed Masonic activities with his nephew in law, Dan Bost. Jim quickly became a local historian and purchased the Laclede Hotel with family members.

"Uncle Jim" was an unforgettable character. His Christmas gifts were always a surprise and added great joy and laughter! He spent hours buying and planning to find what he felt was just the right gift for each family member. Jim loved to expound on English and religious history, mythology and politics to anyone willing to listen. He loved to play and win scrabble and card games. He was well loved and all will miss his presence.

James was preceded in death by his sister, June Borgsmiller (2008) and husband Dr. William J. Borgsmiller (1999), brother in law Carl Smith (1974) and niece Diane Smith in 1971. He is survived by his sister Marguerite Smith of Arlington Heights Illinois. Nephews, Bill (Mary) Borgsmiller, Bob (Linda) Smith, Dick (Ceil) Smith, David (Janice) Smith, Mike Borgsmiller, Don Smith and Bill Smith. Nieces; Sandra (Hubie) Kerns, Cherie (Karl) Korbacher and Judy (Dan) Bost. 17 Great nephews and nieces and 6 Great-great nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be at 11am on Friday, October 22, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Murphysboro, Rev. Charles Walden of First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Wetmore, Michigan later this month. Visitation will be after 5pm on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro. Memorials are encouraged and may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Murphysboro, the First Presbyterian Church of Munising, MI., or to the Alger County Michigan Historical Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.