Jay S. Smith

Jay was born in Manhattan, Kan., in 1950 to Mary and James “Jim” Smith. His parents grew up during the Depression and had 19 siblings between them in rural Kansas. Their large family and country upbringing instilled in Jay a deep desire to care for those he loved. Growing up in Kansas, Jay spent his summers working on the family farm, driving the tractor and hauling bales of hay starting at 12 years old. He was active in the 4H Club and was an honor student. Jay graduated top of his high school class and went on to study electrical engineering at Kansas State University, where he would graduate as class valedictorian.

After graduation, Jay was offered competitive positions at numerous companies, including Kodak and Boeing, but he chose Shell Oil for its compelling projects and provocative location: New Orleans. There, he would meet the love of his life, Betty.

Jay would spend 37 years leading groundbreaking, deep-water projects for Shell Oil, and 43 years with Betty, generously sharing the life they would build together with all they loved.

Jay will always be remembered for his unpretentious intelligence, sense of humor and his strong character. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, dad, grandpa, friend and mentor. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and James “Jim” Smith of Wichita; and sister, Jill Pot of Wichita. He is survived by his wife Betty Smith of New Orleans; children Daneel (Jim) Watson of New Orleans; Kelsea (Colin) Dilbert of Baton Rouge; and his grandchildren Kyle, Caitlyn, Olivia and Sterling.

A visitation for Jay will be held Friday, Feb. 16 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., and interment thereafter at All Saints Mausoleum.