Jack L Smith

Jack L. Smith of Normal passed away on January 16, 2014 at Advocate Bromenn Medical Center, he was 82. There will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday January 25 @ 1:00 p.m. at East Lawn Memorial Gardens. Cremation rites were accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Jack was born September 9, 1931, the son of Leon and Pearl Smith. They preceded him in death as well as 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Surviving are Patricia Smith of Bloomington and Richard (Connie) Smith of Toluca Lakes California. Also numerous nieces and nephews.

He married Esther Katthoefer May 24, 1959 in Bloomington. She passed away March 1, 2009. Surviving are son Phillip (Rachel Bunting) Smith of Bloomington and daughter LuAnn (Tracy) Jimerson of Downs and grandson Joshua Jimerson of Downs.

He spent most of his life in the Bloomington/Normal area. He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1949. In January 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served 3 ½ years aboard a Navy Destroyer, the USS Shelton DD 790, during the Korean War and made 3 tours of duty to Korean Waters.

He was discharged in November 1954, and in February 1955 went to work for General Electric in their engineering department. It was also where he met his beautiful wife. He later worked in the manufacturing part of the business. He retired in 1992 after 38 years of service.

Jack's second love was the game of golf. At one time, he was a low handicap player, and was very proud of his three holes in one. In his later years, he loved going to Highland Park to sit and enjoy friendships.

Memorials can be made to Highland Park Golf Course or The Humane Society of Central Illinois.

Arrangements have been entrusted to East Lawn Funeral Home and you may sign the online guestbook at www.eastlawn-bloomington.com