Julius "Jp" Perry Smith

Julius Perry "JP" Smith, 59, of Mansfield, passed away Monday afternoon, April 10, 2017, at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital in Westerville, Ohio, after a long struggle with congestive heart failure. He was born on March 9, 1958, in Pikeville, Kentucky, one of seven children of the late Woodrow and Eva Smith.

JP grew up in the Lexington and Galion Ohio areas and graduated in 1976 from Northmor High School and Pioneer Joint Vocational School. Soon after graduation, he began working for the CSX Railroad and retired after 30 years of service.

JP is survived by the greatest loves of his life, his daughter, Julia (Keith) Blair; and his grandsons, Keith and Andrew Blair, all of Sunbury, OH. He is also survived by four brothers, Randy (Vickie) Smith of Mansfield, Woody Smith of Galion, Danny Smith of Jackson, OH, and Brian Smith of Fredericktown, OH; a sister, Gail Smith Rinehart of Lexington; and many nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle Perry" very much.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Gaye Bogner; and niece, Jacklyn Ronk.

JP will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, April 15, 2017, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. In honoring JP's wishes, his cremated remains will be scattered at his favorite lake. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.