Greeting and my friend JOHN you will be missed. We go back 58 years. We always kept in touch FB, a call and the last time we saw each other we went to dinner with his lady friend, and my long time friend. We all had a wonderful time.  John took this pictures fifty years ago, lol. 

To God Be The Glory
Today I thank God for the opportunity to have known my beloved brother, Business associate and a true friend. We worked together with the Mahogany Foundation. Swopes Center for the arts. Women Unity Forum and more. We traveled together where John photograph leaders from around the country as well as abroad.  John was a humble but strong man dedicated to his work and clients. He was loved by everyone who knew and worked with him. His phenomenal work will live on forever. What a legacy he has left through his valuable photos.  
Gone to soon my beloved friend.


One of the greatest memory of John when i was growing up, was always being excited to what celebrities he was able to get pictures of and with. He had such a talent of being able capture the moments in his photography.  Whether  it were a family reunion or for work, I always enjoyed seeing his craft. That's the part of John I'll miss the most, having those memories of him as a kid growing up. 


Dear cousins, I'm so heartbroken to hear of John's passing . I fondly remember the years that you all lived in Saint Louis & our many visits. John was instrumental in capturing our family history in pictures. I'm so grateful for that. I will continue to keep you all in prayer. I love you!
Nina Rene Shavers-Hairston (cousin)

I will always remember John as a caring and compassionate member of our family who displayed quiet humor and self assurance. He often spoke few words but was never at a loss for words. 

John was great photographer; I never saw him without his camera.

John was an Inspirational artist. I learned a lot from him. He made being an artist relevant. He shared his knowledge of painting and photography with anyone  who wanted to get better at artistic expression.  He was a quiet person who had a ĺot to say in his own creative way. Miss you my brother. 

Sending prayers of condolences to the family and friends of John Smith. He often took photos at events around Chicagoland  over the years. He was a kind, gentle soul with a great smile that will truly be missed.  🙏💜

Featured in Being Single Magazine.
Photo by John Smith.

This photo were taken by John Smith for a designer's competition entered by 
B.Booker Designs.



One of many photo shoots with John Smith.
John was my most dedicated friend!


My dear cousin John 
My first memory of John was in St. Louis. My mother Velma would always do a drive by to see Vera and her son’s. I remember when Vera, John and Maurice moved to Chicago. John was always very kind and loving! He had a wonderful spirit. He was a wonderful photographer with great artistry. He loved  his family. Where there was family you would see John. May he rest with the best. He’s forever in my heart. 
        

I'm sorry to learn of John's passing. I Gordy met him when Joyce and Peter got married, he was the photographer for the big event, he was excellent and we hired him to be our photographer also. I remember him being quiet and attentive, with an ever-present smile. He also always had his camera ready to snap great pics, and he put together the most beautiful photo albums. 🙏🏾❤️

I remember John as a quiet and loving cousin who let his camera, which was always by his side, do his talking and tell great stories.  Condolences and prayers to the family.

Condolences from Stevenson, Watford and Reid families to my cousin as they say goodbye to their dear kind brother. I will never forget John coming to my brother Earl's home for his famous cookouts on Memorial Day and John would be there with camera recording family history. Now John is resting with our ancestors. 

I remember as a child we would go to visit cousin Vera and her young adult sons on the northside of Chicago. John always had his camera snapping puctires at every family event. That infectious smile will always be a memory for me. Rest John. Thanks for always recording our family moments with pictures., a permanent canvas .

Praying 🙏 God will show you His love through caring family and friends, comforting memories, and moments of peace 

This video was taking  four weeks ago.  We went to the botanic Garden and lunch afterwards..

Sending my condolences to the family and his host of friends and colleagues. I will always remember John’s  kind, and considerate spirit. His ability to be that quiet voice of reason, or simply a smiling face  which welcomed you in social setting. But mostly for being and a master photographer that could curate and  capture the essence of a person, nature, place on film .

You will be truly missed and foremost Do Rest in Heaven 

John Smith,

Beyond his undeniable talent, John was the embodiment of kindness and compassion. His 
warm smile and gentle demeanor left an impression on everyone. A talented photographer and remarkable soul.
You will be missed.


My sincere condolences to the family. I knew John in high school junior and senior year. We crossed paths many times throughout his life. He was a soft spoken gentle and kind man. He will be missed. May God continue to give the family comfort and strength.

May our Heavenly Father God and his only begotten Son Christ Jesus continue to bless John and his family and friends! I met John in 1971 through his neighbor and my best friend since the age of twelve, Vanessa Smith. They were living in the Lakeside building, and I was living on Winthrop Street. We were all teenagers back then. John was a wonderful person to have known and he had the kindest heart that anyone could imagine once you knew him! This picture above was taken June 15, 2023, we were at the Botanical Garden and having lunch with other senior citizens in our community from Chinese Mutual Association. 
May God grace continue to be with you!
Vanasha Little, 
IDCFS 26 years Retired State Worker 


My sincere condolence I knew John when he stayed in lakeside and was drawing and painting my mother entered him into the Buckingham art affair and wish she was supervisor back in the day he was a very quiet person and he will truly be missed

Blessings and Peace to the family and friends of John Smith. 🙏🏽♥️.  My good friend, Michelle, whom I have known for 30 years would have gatherings at her home and John was often in attendance.  I recall  John always “on the ready” with his camera, as you can see 😊 …. he was an awesome photographer!  I remember John as a humble person who always had a kind demeanor.  He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten! 🙏🏽♥️

My condolences to the family. John was a wonderful caring individual who was always a great friend to everyone who loved him.
June

John and I were friends since high school class of 1971. He went onto Chicago State where he became a photographer stuck on analog photography I convinced bought and gave him his first digital camera. We argued about digital versus analog all the time. Of course I won I’m just missing John loveBob  scott

I've known John Smith for over 40 years of my life. He diligently assisted me with my modeling career; photographing my portfolio and composite as well as featuring my image in Being Single Magazine. In addition to my professional life, he became my best friend.  He was like a big brother to me. He was always there to support me through my lifetime of endeavors. John was one of a kind and the most dedicated friends in my life! John was caring, smart, and extraordinary in so many ways. I will never forget him!

OBITUARY

John E. Smith Jr.

October 17, 1952 – July 6, 2023

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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