James Joseph Smolko

James Jim Joseph Smolko, 85, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan passed away at his home in Mt. Pleasant. Jim was born on Saturday, August 22, 1931 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Joseph John and Margaret Mary (Daubner) Smolko. A resident of Mt. Pleasant for many years, Jim was a Professor of Music at Central Michigan University for sixteen years. He also taught piano at the Cleveland Institute of Music for many years. He last performed in September 2016 at Art Reach in Mt. Pleasant. He was a classical piano player who wrote and arranged music compositions. He enjoyed traveling and played the piano in Europe during the summers in many locations. Jim loved art, plays and film making, loved the out of doors and enjoyed jogging and swimming. Survivors include his sister, Lorna Larson of Louisville, Kentucky, and three nieces and nephews, Christina Casey, Eric Larson and Kurt Larson. He was preceded in death by both parents. Cremation has taken place. No services are planned.