John Junius Smith

John J. Smith was known by many names. His wife called him “John”, his son Chris called him “Smith,” and his daughter Crystal called him “Daddy.” However, his own brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins called him “Sonny.” He was known to his friends as “Smitty.” There is one thing for sure, no matter what they called him he was loved by them all.

John J. Smith was born on January 28, 1952, in Greenville, Virginia, to the union of John Morgan and Alice Mae Smith. He joined the US Army and was stationed at Yuma Proving Ground, in Yuma, AZ. He was a Military Policeman. There in Yuma, John met his future wife Jacquelyn O’Gilbert, a first year teacher from Phoenix, AZ. After some chasing and convincing, the two began dating. Upon his completion of service, Sonny returned to Virginia to visit family and friends. He then returned to Arizona to be with the love of his life. In 1975, John and Jackie were married at the Church of the Living God, Pillar Ground and Truth. John was hired at the Yuma Proving Ground as a government employee where he was trained as an Explosives and Ammunitions Operator.

After trying for many years to start a family in 1981, John and Jackie were blessed with their first child, John Christopher. Just one year and nine days later, they were blessed with their daughter Crystal Smith. Crystal and her dad share the same birthday. John’s children were his pride and joy. He would rave about them to anyone who would listen. He was constantly showing them off to everyone. John wanted his children to have the world, but still be grateful and humble for the things that they had. He wanted them to be giving to others and independent as well. At an early age, he taught his children life skills that he believed were important to know how to do, such as ironing, laundry, and military creases in their beds at seven years old. He also taught them the value of the words, “Yes Ma’am” and “No Ma’am, and “Yes Sir” and “No Sir.” John wanted them to know that they had to be responsible for their actions. He taught them to be like him, more than he knew.

Along with Sonny’s love for his wife and children, was his love for the Washington Redskins. It was almost unheard of for him to be seen without his Washington Redskins hat. To him, it didn’t matter if they won or lost, just as long as the Cowboys lost. He was famously known for saying, “The cowboys are NOT America’s team.” One announcer said it one time and it stuck from there. No one voted on that.

Smitty will always be remembered for his smile, his compassion for people and especially his cooking. He was famous for being at the American Legion on Sundays preparing food for people. From chicken to deviled eggs and even lasagna he knew how to bring a smile to people’s faces and never once asked for anything in return. Smitty retired in 2014, after 40 years as a government employee.

John Junius Smith was called home to the Lord on September 23, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents John Morgan and Alice Mae Smith, and James and Pauline Caphart. Sisters Annie Ruth Smith, Idonia Bank, brothers Authur, Lathan, Cleophus, Donald, Jerry, and Melvin Smith, and Harry Lee Thompson Sr.

He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn, son John Christopher, and daughter Crystal Nicole. Brothers Jessie Smith(Iverna) VA, Ronny Smith (Donnie) MD, Carlton Smith (Tonya) MD, Alfrozo Smith (Yashica) PA, and Tyrone Caphart. Sisters Otelia Davis (Samuel) VA, Alease Turner (Charlie) MD, Gloria Daniels (Leon)MD, Janice Bullock (Richard) VA, Ethel Smith (Wayne) VA, Gloria Smith, Sarha Sander, Tina Boone and Thelma Smith, all from PA. Adrian Thompson, Lorina Newbill and numerous nieces and nephews with a host of family and friends.