John “Jack” Henry Smith, 72, was born on October 22, 1949 to the late Henry and Marie Wilson Smith in Lackawanna, NY, and raised in Buffalo, NY. He passed away peacefully on November 22, 2021 at home in Richmond, TX, surrounded by his loving family. Jack’s deep Catholic faith guided him through his courageous 19-month battle with esophageal cancer. Undaunted, he endured treatment with strength, patience, and dignity. He will live on as a hero and role model to many who will carry on his legacy.
Memorial services and a celebration of life will be held at The Settegast-Kopf Co At Sugar Creek Funeral Directors 15015 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 on Saturday December 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow services in the Family Events Hall. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Christine “Chris” Ryan Smith; his two children, Shannon Smith Parker (Dave Parker) and Ryan Smith (Renee Gremillion Smith); his four grandchildren Jacquelyn Parker Ellis (Spencer Ellis), Aimee Parker Cregan (Peter Cregan), Dominic Smith and Liam Smith; and his two great-grandchildren Conor Cregan and Samuel Cregan. He joins three siblings in heaven; Mary Smith Weber, James Smith (survived by Ann Campanile Smith), and Daniel Smith (survived by Liza Stoddard Smith). He is survived by four additional siblings Thomas Smith (Maureen Eagan Smith), Michael Smith (Sue Hens Smith), Joseph Smith (Rosann Sambrotto Smith), Anne Smith Gilhooly (Pat Gilhooly); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jack received his baccalaureate degree in 1971 from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Business Administration from Boston University in 1977 and a Master of Health Administration degree from Baylor University in 1983. In addition, he graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff College.
Jack retired as a lieutenant colonel from the US Army in 1994 after 22 years of active-duty service in the continental United States and overseas. His tours of duty included positions in command and health administration, including assignments in the Office of the Army Surgeon General during Operation Desert Storm and three years as an Inspector General with the US Army in Europe. His military decorations include two awards of the Legion of Merit, five awards of the US Army Meritorious Service Medal, and the Expert Field Medical Badge.
From 1994 to 2004, Jack worked in various positions in managed healthcare, including two years as president of a medical services organization (MSO) in San Antonio, TX, and two years as vice president for network operations for Humana in Houston, TX. In 2004, Jack joined UTMB as director of operations for the non-TDCJ operations where he administrated the contracted non-TDCJ correctional facilities and other contracted health services operations. After retirement, Jack consulted with healthcare organizations for an additional five years.
Jack and his loving wife enjoyed 50 beautiful years of marriage. They shared a mutual joy for travel, fine wine, hosting and spending time with family and friends. Jack valued his Irish heritage and hoped to pass on his Irish legacy for generations to come. He had an unmistakable knack for witty humor and a genuine smile that lit any room he entered. Everyone who had the pleasure to know Jack will dearly miss him.
Forever in our hearts; we love you and will miss you every day.
Services will be Streamed via Facebook live at Settgast-Kopf Co At Sugar Creek s Face Book Page beginning at 11:00 A.M.
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