- Date Of Birth: May 30, 1923
- Date Of Death: July 28, 2010
- State: Illinois
J. A. Smith, 87, of Jacksonville, IL died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at his residence.
He was born May 30, 1923 in Jacksonville; the son of David A. and Jeanette Miller Smith. He married Mary Juanita Diagger on November 1, 1944 at Ft. Myers, FL and she survives.
He is also survived by three daughters, Judith Ann Morthole (husband, Mark) of Jacksonville, Sharon Lee Drenning (husband, Robert) of Warrenville, and Janet Knox-Smock (husband, Richard) of Jacksonville; a son, David Smith (wife, Jamie) of Jacksonville; six grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Jane Seymour.
Mr. Smith served as a staff sergeant with the US Army Air Corps during WW II. He later was a self-employed building contractor for over 40 years. He was a descendant of David A. Smith, whose historical home is located on the Illinois College campus. He enjoyed all types of racing, especially NASCAR and power boats.
