GOLDSMITH, James N., Sr. - Of Lapeer, age 64, passed away October 3, 2009 at Genesys Hospice Care Center of Goodrich. Funeral Service Thursday 11 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Road in Grand Blanc. Burial to follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. James Goldsmith was a proud Army veteran who served from 1965-1967, with duty in Vietnam from 1966-1967. He joined VFW Post #5666 in 1967. Goldsmith was All State Post Commander in 1974 and All-American District Commander in 1977. In 1978 he was selected as Michigan's "Young Veteran of the Year." In 1980, he became the first Vietnam veteran to be elected Department Junior Vice Commander of Michigan. He was an All-American Department Commander from 1982-1983. On August 24, 2001, Goldsmith was elected to the position of VFW Commander-in-Chief. During his term as VFW State Commander Goldsmith established the VFW Department Cancer Program which continues to raise money for cancer research in the State of Michigan schools of medicine. This program has raised and donated over $1,000,000 from VFW members for this valuable research. While employed at AC Spark Plug Division of General Motors, Goldsmith was instrumental in establishing a Veterans Committee in UAW Local 651, and served as the committee chairman for 17 years. He retired from GM after 35 years of service. At a National level, he has served on the Americanism, Youth Activities and Community Activities Committees. He also served as vice-chairman on the POW/MIA and National Security and Foreign Affairs Committees. He was chairman of the Legislative Committee in 1993-1994. While serving as Senior Vice Commander-In-Chief, Goldsmith was selected to travel to Vietnam with President Bill Clinton as part of a presidential fact-finding committee. On an earlier trip to Vietnam and Laos as VFW Junior Vice Commander-In-Chief, he participated in field efforts to recover the remains of missing U.S> service personnel. Following his term as VFW Commander-In-Chief Goldsmith was selected by the Department of Veteran's Affairs to assist in the establishment of Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. He served as Assistant Director of the cemetery throughout its first years overseeing the land development and the first burials. He was the moving force behind the establishment of the Great Lakes National Cemetery Advisory Committee. In May 2009 he retired as Assistant Director of the Great Lakes National Cemetery after serving five years. In October 2006 Goldsmith was elected to serve as District 7 Trustee of the VFW National Home for the Children representing Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin. He most recently served the Board of Trustees on the Home's Children's Development, Policy and Bylaws, and Finance Committees. In addition, he currently served as Finance Chief for the National Commander-In-Chief Tommy Tradewell. His memberships included the American Legion, Moose Lodge, Lapeer Eagles, a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie, life member of VFW Post #4139 in Lapeer, Michigan and a Life Member of the VFW National Home for Children. In his spare time, Goldsmith liked to hunt, fish, tend to his garden travel and spend time with his grandson. He was the beloved father of James N. Goldsmith, Jr. Loving grandfather of Christian Herald and Maggie and Adam Kolcon. Dear brother of David Goldsmith, Rita (Jack) Marks, Patricia (Jim) Palmer and Barbara (Joe) Applebee. Uncle of Jackie Fultz, Mike Marks, Linda Marks, Dan Palmer, Chris Palmer, Greg Palmer, Don Goodwin, Dana Applebee and Joe Applebee. Companion of Veronica Mersino. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Irma Goldsmith, sister Mary (Ray) Peters and niece, Cathy Marks. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VFW National Home, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Scholarship Fund for Christian Herald or charity of donor's choice. Memories may be shared at www.mem.com.