Dr. John "Jp" Smith

Dr. John "JP" Smith, 73, of The Villages, Florida, entered eternal life on November 6, 2018, surrounded by his devoted wife and children. Dr. Smith praticed family medicine in the Fort Wayne area for over 34 years. He was one of the founding partners of Lake Avenue Physicians which has now grown to be a part of the Parkview Physicians Group. During his professional career Dr. Smith held the role of Medical Director at Parkview Memorial Hospital. He also served as Chairman of the Board for Physicians Health Plan. Raised in Waterloo, John worked on the family dairy farm, and worked endless hours at the family's Waterloo Dairy. He was a graduate of Waterloo High School, in 1963. After graduation he completed a degree at Purdue University, he then furthered his education and attained his dream by recieving his Medical Doctoral Degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He went on to complete a Family Medicine internship at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie. Around 2009, John retreated to their lake home on Sylvan Lake, in Rome City. He enjoyed catching many largemouth bass, and spending time with family and friends. In 2015 John retired with the love of his life, Susie, to The Villages, Florida. There he had free time to enjoy life and play several rounds of Golf. He has a host of friends there, who have cared and supported him. In December of 1995, John made a choice that he nor anyone else knew the magnitude of, the lives he would touch, teach, and encourage. Not only as a physician, but also as a recovering alcoholic. John impacted the lives of hundreds suffering from the disease.

He is survived by his wife, of 19 years, Susie Smith; sister, Dorothy Hart; children, Mark J Smith, Jason M Smith, Jessica (Josh) Tripp, Madison (Aaron) Bender, Kelsey Ford, Morgan Ford, and Elliott Ford; as well as seven wonderful grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan (Visa) Smith; parents, Sidney and Elois Smith; and brother, Mark Smith.

Memorial service will be 2pm, Saturday, November 17, at The Chapel, 2505 West Hamilton South, Fort Wayne (IN, 46814), with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 5 to 8pm, Friday, November 16, at the church. Inurnment will be in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations may be given to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, or an anoymous donation may be made to AA World Service (New York, New York).