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

James Michael Smith was born Aug. 12, 1938, in Albert Lea 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 daughter, Cindy (Derek) Skolte of Austin; sons Tracy (Kerry) Smith of Rochester 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 at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Worlein Funeral Home chapel in Austin. The Rev. James Steffes will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and for one hour prior to the service on Friday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. A prayer service will be at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at Worlein Funeral Home. 

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