Mr. Smith it was a pleasure working with you during my  first year as an incoming Dean of Students. My fondest memory of you was your chivalry. Not a day went by that you forgot to hold the door open for the Ladies, no matter how long we took to walk through it! You are truly missed. I think of you, daily, as I walk past your classroom. Your presence remains in the Halls of St. Mary's Academy. May your soul rest in peace, My Friend.

Mr. Smith dedicated his life to teaching and inspiring young women. The excitement we all shared every day entering his classroom, anticipating a chance to act out one of the many stories, is a memory we will always cherish. Through his passion for English, he helped shape us into confident writers and storytellers, preparing us for the journeys that awaited beyond Saint Mary’s Academy.

We will miss him immensely, but the lessons he taught us, and the memories we made in his classroom will remain with us for a lifetime. 

With Love and Gratitude,
Class of 2010💙💛

Heather (& Harper Gros- class of 2027) - SMA Family! 

Mr. Smith was truly one-of-a-kind. He was passionate about what he taught and he made the toughest student soften and learn to appreciate literature and to see it for all it's beauty. As a parent I was reassured that my daughter was getting the VERY BEST EDUCATION. Mr. Smith will be greatly missed for generations to come. He left a deep imprint on the SMA Faculty, Students & Families! Rest in eternal peace Mr. Smith - YOU are and will forever be missed. 

The Gros Family

Mr. Smith was such a wonderful teacher and I’m truly saddened to hear of his passing. As a former student of St. Mary’s Academy, I will always remember him as an amazing English teacher and the impact he had on his students. It’s clear that teaching was more than a profession for him it was something he genuinely cared about. Thank you, Mr. Smith, for the knowledge, guidance, and memories you gave to so many of us. May you rest peacefully. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and everyone whose life he touched. 🙏🏽🕊️

My condolences go out to Mr. Smith's family, friends, and loved ones. Mr. Smith was an excellent English teacher and a phenomenal person. His quick wit and funny personality was always the highlight of my day. Even when I felt overwhelmed about school, he always knew just what to say to make it all feel so simple and straightforward. I will miss him dearly.

Rest in Peace Mr. Smith,
Christy - Class of 2017  💙 💛

Mr.Smith, was truly a remarkable English teacher. He taught us how to express ourselves, how to find our voice, and how to see the world through different perspectives. His classroom became a place where our words mattered and where we were encouraged to think, dream, and become more confident in who we were. Thank you, Mr.Smith, for every lesson, every correction, every word of encouragement, and every moment you invested in your students. Thank you for reminding us that our voices have value and that there is power in being able to tell our own stories. Lol, I still use my Greek and Latin roots words! C/O ‘16💙💛

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Smith. He was an extraordinary English teacher who truly opened my eyes to the beauty of literature. I will always remember how he brought the tension of Othello and the grand journey of The Odyssey alive in our classroom. He didn't just teach books; he taught me how to appreciate great storytelling, a gift I carry with me to this day. My thoughts are with your family.

Best wishes ,

Dr. Brandi Stevens

My sincerest condolences to Mr. Smith’s family, friends and loved ones. Mr. Smith taught me many valuable English/Literature skills which has helped me be very successful in my academic and work career. He truly cared and was passionate about his work. Mr. Smith you will be greatly missed. -Noelle Johnson, c/o of 09 💙💛

Rest up teacher. He was my old teacher in 10th grade English at St Mary's Academy. 💙💛💙💛

Mr. Smith, thank you! Thank you for being the best English teacher I’ve ever had. You challenged me beyond ways I even wanted to be challenged but I appreciate you to the fullest. Your attention to detail, dedication, and consistency and your love for your students made me respect you to the highest power. You did not waver from the job at hand even though I know we challenged you just as much as you challenged us. Nearly 25 yrs later I still remember all what you’ve taught me and I can honestly say that thanks to you I am a darn good writer. You will be missed and the memories will be cherished. Rest well Mr. Smith 💙💛💙💛


Jada Holmes c/o 2003 💙💛💙💛

There are some teachers you remember because of the subject they taught, and then there are those you remember because of the impact they had on your life. Mr. Smith was one of those teachers.

He was a quiet soul. As my high school English teacher, he taught me more than literature and writing.  Even years later, I find myself reminded of something he taught us, a lesson, a way of thinking, or a perspective that has stayed with me throughout life. That is the true mark of a great teacher. 

Rest peacefully, Mr. Smith. Thank you for being a quiet presence who made such a lasting impact. Your lessons live on in the lives of the students you taught, including mine. You will be remembered with gratitude and love. 🕊️🤍💙💛

I want to take a moment to honor and remember my beloved high school English teacher, Mr. Jason Smith.

I graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 2003, and Mr. Smith was more than just a teacher to me. He took the time to teach me how to properly write, patiently helping me develop a skill that has stayed with me throughout my life. There were even times when he stayed after school to help me with my papers.

Mr. Smith’s love for English and his dedication to his students had a lasting impact on me. Today, I consider myself an avid writer, and I know that his influence played a major role in helping me become the writer I am.

Thank you, Mr. Smith, for believing in me, for your patience, and for taking the time to invest in my future. Your lessons went far beyond the classroom, and your impact will live on through the students you taught.

Rest peacefully, Mr. Smith. You will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. 🕊️

De’Osher West c/o 2003 💙💛

Mr. Smith was truly a great teacher, and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to be one of his students. I loved the way he taught because he made learning interesting and genuinely made me want to learn. He had such a funny personality, and his class was filled with memories that I’ll always remember and appreciate.

I’m thankful for the time I got to spend in his class and for everything he taught me, both inside and outside of the classroom. He will be deeply missed, and I’m grateful to have been one of his students.

Sincerely,
Trinity Garry
Former student of Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith was truly the funniest English teacher I’ve ever had. He definitely didn’t play about them root words! 😂 I’m genuinely going to miss running up to the board to be your little assistant.

I can honestly say that what you taught me has stuck with me and never faded. Your teaching left a major impact on me, and I’ll always be grateful for the memories and lessons you gave me. You will be truly missed.

Sincerely,
Your student, Re’Yana Mathieu

Jason was so funny, creative and a wonderful cook. I was fortunate to see him recently on a work trip to New Orleans and enjoyed many fun game nights, get togethers and more. My heart breaks for his friends and family at this time. Peace my friend https://photos.app.goo.gl/QVAENQYgmrkR7rv7A

Jason was such a sweet, funny, and caring friend. His family and friends will all miss him tremendously. There will be a huge void in the English department at St.Mary’s Academy.

Words can't express the impact of the loss of Mr. Smith on his family, friends, co-workers, and students.  His legacy will surely live on in the lives he touched during his years as an educator.

Mr. Smith was an amazing English teacher! I was a student of his during my High School years at SMA & at The MAX after Katrina. He was very passionate about his profession and made sure that his students were taught to the best of his abilities. May he rest in peace, and may God cover his family in perfect peace.

Mr. Jason Smith,
You will truly be missed. As a middle schooler, I'd often hear stories from my older sister about his English class. I was both scared and excited to take it. Mr. Smith will go down in history as one of the most impactful instructors at St. Mary's Academy. We were so honored to have him as one of our own and I'm grateful that til this day I apply all that was taught to me. May he rest in peace!

Mr. Smith was a AWESOME Educator! I am Mr. Smith’s coworker at St. Mary’s Academy  and he also taught both of my daughters. We all loved him dearly. My daughters would always say that Mr. Smith baked the best “Brownies!” He will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with you, during this difficult time. 

Sincerely,
The Duncan Family

OBITUARY

Jason Francis Smith

July 24, 1966 – July 18, 2026

Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home

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