James Smeberg

Jim was born on July 5, 1930 in Duluth, MN to Elmer and Ruth (Larson) Smeberg. He grew up in Marquette in the home his grandfather built on the corner of Third and Michigan. He attended NMU, completing both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music.

While at NMU, he met his wife, Carmen, at the First United Methodist college program. They married in 1952. Jim and Carmen taught at Marquette Public Schools for 35 plus years. Jim taught instrumental band at Graveraet Middle School while Carmen taught third grade.

Jim was an officer in the Michigan National Guard in Marquette, avid life-long model railroader, active in the boating community and member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a member of the First Methodist Church participating in the church music programs for over 60 years. He played trombone in the Marquette Symphony, Marquette City Band, and the Westerly Winds Big Band. For a number of years during the summers he spent numerous nights riding along with the Marquette County Sheriff. Additionally, for many years he assisted in various capacities alongside the Marquette Fire Department, ultimately being commended by the Marquette mayor for his volunteer work.

Jim is survived by his son, Jim (Susan Maloney) Smeberg; granddaughter, Kate (Chris) Blevins; grandson, Jon Erik Smeberg; and great grandson, Emmett Blevins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ruth Smeberg and his wife, Carmen (Swanson) Smeberg.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral Home beginning at 1 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Christopher Hintz officiating. Burial will take place at Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the construction of the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell.

Jim’s family would like to gratefully thank the staff at Brookridge Heights, Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, and Eastwood Nursing Center, along with the office of Cassie Sundberg, for their thoughtful and loving care.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Jim’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.