Jeffery Duane Smith

Jeffery D. Smith passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior on July 15, 2025, at the age of 47, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Schenectady, New York, Jeff lived his life with joy, warmth, and a deep love for others. He was a faithful husband, a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a man who could light up a room with his big laugh and even bigger heart.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Smith, and his two precious children, Ella (13) and Xander (10), who were the pride and joy of his life. Jeff also leaves behind a large and loving family of siblings: Gloria (Raymond) Larkins, Ricky (Toby) Gillespe Mobley, Curtis (Brenda) Smith, Bobbie Jean Stuckey, Angela (Kenneth) Evans, James Smith, Jr., Elizabeth (Frankie) Wright, and James Smith, III, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, James L. Smith and Evelyn Haynes.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from SUNY Empire State College and built a career around his passion for technology. He most recently served as Vice President of Production Operations at Basis Technologies, where he combined sharp insight with gentle leadership. A true early adopter and tech enthusiast, Jeff was never far from a screen, a keyboard, or a passionate conversation about the latest gadgets.

But Jeff was more than his résumé. He was a full-on, badge-wearing nerd, and he was proud of it. Whether he was rolling dice for a game of Dungeons and Dragons, quoting obscure Star Trek episodes, attending comic conventions in complete delight, reading fantasy and sci-fi, writing or photographing, or getting deeply into the details of his favorite board games and video games, Jeff embraced life’s fun with both arms. He loved traveling, especially the RV road trip to Mount Rushmore during the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked his dream of owning an RV someday. He and Stephanie shared a love for good food—she turned him into a full-on foodie—but his one true culinary love was pizza. Jeff loved to journal and write letters, often taking time to encourage others with his words. This nerd also really loved sports. Jeff was a loyal sports fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Falcons.

He co-founded the Chicago Nerd Social Club and was involved in Friends of McPherson, always seeking to build community and foster belonging. Jeff was especially passionate about helping minority youth explore careers in technology. He believed every young person should have the chance to discover the world of computers, coding, and innovation. He also served as a speaker and organizer with DevOpsDays and authored the book Operations Anti-Patterns, DevOps Solutions, blending technical brilliance with accessible wisdom.

Beyond his work and hobbies, Jeff anchored himself to his faith in God. He professed his trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was a faithful attender at Ravenswood Baptist Church in Chicago. He loved his men’s Bible study group and quietly modeled patience, kindness, and Christlike humility. He loved deeply, gave generously, and treated everyone with dignity and warmth.

Jeff taught those around him to laugh more, love better, and live fully. He remembered what mattered. He made time for others. He was the kind of man who made people feel like they belonged, and because to Jeff, they did.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Ravenswood Baptist Church in Chicago, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 6:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Duston Moore. A burial service will take place the following day, Thursday, July 24, at 1:00 PM at Rosehill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Black Girls Code, an organization whose mission is aligned with Jeff’s passions: https://www.wearebgc.org

The family also welcomes donations to support Stephanie, Ella, and Xander through the family’s GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/fd1a9c10

Though Jeff’s earthly journey has ended, we do not grieve without hope. Because of his faith in Jesus, Jeff now rests in the presence of the Lord. One day, all who know Christ as Savior will reunite with him in Heaven, where there are no more tears, no more pain, and no more goodbyes.