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John Smith Obituary
He was the son of the late Robert and Vivian (Horton) Smith of Ventura, Calif. JJ was born on May 10, 1936, in Fillmore, Calif. JJ graduated from Ventura High School in 1954.
He honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
JJ started his career with Shell Oil Company in 1959 in Ventura, Calif. JJ worked for Shell Oil Company for 33 years, retiring to Traverse City in 1992. He worked in the Drilling and Exploration Department with Shell Oil Company.
JJ's career with Shell took him many places, Alaska, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, South and North Dakota, California, New Mexico, Washington State and Michigan.
An avid outdoors man, JJ created a personal museum of hunting trophies. He was fond of wearing a cowboy hat and boots since his bull riding days in California. JJ was also active as a competitive skeet shooter, trap shooter and a golfer.
JJ married Kathleen "Kathy" Taylor in Cedar on June 18, 1977; she survives. He is also survived by his son, Curtis and wife (Shining Eyes) of Lakewood, Colo.; grandchildren, Raven, Dayson and Harlan; sister, Susan (Ted) Ellis of Ventura, Calif.; and mother-in-law, Harriet Taylor of Newberry. JJ has many nieces and nephews, including two special nephews, Jeff Smith and his family of Sydney, Australia, and Tim Smith and his family of Valley Center, Calif. He also will be missed by his faithful Black Lab, Sammy.
JJ was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vivian Smith; and a brother, David Smith.
A Celebration of Life for JJ will be held at The Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Becky Chamberlain will officiate.
Memorials in JJ's honor can be sent to Munson Hospice. Envelopes may be obtained at the service.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Del Roelofs
September 6, 2008
Cathy, we just got home from JJ's wonderful funeral. I said to phyllis, its probably not right to say a funeral was wonderful, but Phyllis and I were deeply moved by all the planning that went into it. I loved the music and the pictures of the past.
I count JJ as a great friend in my life, the problem is, I wish I could have met him in my youth. He is a great guy, the kind of a guy you really wanted to be arround and when he didn't show up for cards, everyone would say, Is JJ coming today.
I will miss him deeply. Is dog Sam and my Yellow Lab Ben got to meet on doggy pee breaks at the card came.
When the dust settles, I would like a picture of JJ for my Card Room. I liked so many of pictures I seen today. What a great celebration of his life. You did a great job preparing and it really showed today.
God Bless you and your family,
Love and prayers,
Del and Phyllis Roelofs
Amy Luther
September 5, 2008
Through the years there have been a few of our hunters that have truly touched my heart. JJ was one of them. I could always count on his smiling face and warm hug to start out my season. I will miss seeing JJ every fall, anxious for our hunting season to begin. He's always been one of our first hunters to show up with his calendar in hand ready to schedule his hunts. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family.
RAVEN (GRANDDAUGHTER) WEAKLEY
September 5, 2008
MY GRANDPA JJ AND (GRAMS) KATHY ARE THE BEST THING THATCOULD HAVE HAPPEN TO ME IN MY LIFE. THEY HELPED MY THROUGH MY HARD TIMES AS A CHILD. GRAMPS GOT TO SEE ME GROW UP TO A BE A WONDERFUL YOUNG WOMAN. IT COULD HAVE NOT DONE IT WITH OUT THEM BOTH.
I LOVE U KATHY
Patty Kubica
September 4, 2008
JJ was truley our cowboy friend! we admired his stories and courage to hunt and trophy the animals he did. He was an adopted uncle to my children and friend to me. I will miss him and I thank him and Kathy for all the special things he did for us. His wood working pieces that Kathy would paint were finished and displayed. How he had a passion for his dog and carried so much pride in his home and wife. Thank you JJ for giving me my first elk roast and for telling me I made the best sauces. How you showed me how to fly fish and explained to me the sport and captured my interest. How you loved Kathy and was so proud! we will miss you so much and will never let you go in our hearts. Patty Kubica
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Nancy Johnson
September 4, 2008
Dearest Kathy, Many memories: Traverse City, Denver, California, our paths have crossed many times. Doesn't seem that long ago that I was at your wedding. Will miss visiting you both at your log cabin and the yearly Christmas greetings featuring J.J. and his dog buddies.
Much Love, Nancy and family:Ron, Dana and Lisa
Bill and Lisa Matthews
September 4, 2008
We will miss seeing JJ at the Grille, hearing his tales of hunting & golfing, and being witness to his wonderful spirit.
Jan Mack
September 4, 2008
Dear Kathy,
So very sorry to hear of JJ's passing. I've been out of town this past week. I know it's been a long road but you have been so very blessed to have shared his love for life.
Shell was a very fun place to work and fond memories will always be with us.
Luana Dueweke
September 4, 2008
Kathy,
Celebrating a life well lived. You may cherish the memories forever you shared with JJ. He was a loving and devoted husband.
Ted Ryan
September 4, 2008
I'm thinking where would I start in reflecting my memories of JJ. With that, where would I end them. Knowing and loving JJ as a brother, I am so fortunate to have shared so many times with him. We hunted together for many years. Many times we'd share a cup of coffee setting on the side of a mountain waiting for the sun to rise. He talk about life, his brother, his son, and mostly about Kathy. I was priviledged that he shared so much with me. I will miss him, but he will always be with me. God hasn't make many JJ's
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