Jeffrey David Smith

Jeffrey David Smith of Jacksonville, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Nancy, and children Adam and Erin.

The eldest of three children, Jeff was born in Akron, Ohio on January 19, 1948 to Ronald W. and Eileen Cummins Smith. He spent his childhood in Cuyahoga Falls, OH before moving to Jacksonville in 1961.

Jeff played varsity baseball and basketball at Terry Parker High School and graduated in 1966; as a University of Florida 1971 grad, he was in ROTC, a member of Sigma Chi, and earned a BA in History. Upon graduation as a 2LT, he was stationed at the US Army Armor Center at Fort Knox, KY with B Company School Brigade.

Jeff received a Juris Doctor in 1976 from Stetson University College of Law. His career as an attorney spanned 37 years, primarily practicing Real Estate with Mahoney Adams, Ford & Jeter, Cliff Newton & Associates, and the Office of General Counsel with the City of Jacksonville. Earlier in his career he served as General Counsel for First American Title Insurance and Commonwealth Land Title Insurance.

The practice of law was a perfect fit for someone who loved to read! At any given time, Jeff would have 2-3 books going, often about the Civil War and WWII. He dedicated equal time to novels about espionage, politics, and military thrillers. As an athlete all his life, Jeff enjoyed playing golf and relished the memory of his two trips to Augusta for the Masters. The top item on his bucket list was checked with a memorable family trip to Normandy, Ireland, and Scotland in 2019.

Jeff was a lifelong fan of the University of Florida Gators and the Fightin ’Irish of Notre Dame. He was a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, and loyal friend whose love was unquestioned. A faithful Catholic, Jeff was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Mandarin for nearly 40 years before moving to Nocatee in 2017 and joining the parish of St. John Paul II Catholic Church.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Gregory. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years and love of his life, Nancy Dunham Smith; son Adam Smith (Heidi), Jacksonville Beach; daughter Erin Smith (Ben), Atlanta; granddaughter Ansley Elizabeth Smith; sister Sherry Hieb (Greg), Jacksonville; brother-in-law Tommy Dunham, Jacksonville; sisters-in-law Maripat Meide (Billy), Jacksonville, and Julie Smith, Jacksonville Beach; loving nieces and nephews; and “granddogs” Hobie, Brody, and Gus.

Visitation and rosary will be held on Wednesday, March 5 from 6:00-8:00pm at Hardage-Giddens St. Johns, 1285 St. Johns Pkwy, Saint Johns, FL 32259. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Rafael Lavilla at 1:00pm on Thursday, March 6, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 127 Stonemason Way, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081, followed by burial services at St. Joseph Parish Cemetery, 4252 Loretto Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. A reception will be held at Hardage-Giddens St. Johns at 3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Jeff’s love for his brother-in-law Tommy, please consider a donation to L’Arche Jacksonville, 700 Arlington Rd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32211, https://www.larchejacksonville.org/donate. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens St. Johns, 1285 St. Johns Pkwy, Saint Johns, FL 32259.