Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

6701 North Jones Blvd

Las Vegas, Nevada

Jay Smith Obituary

JAY SMITH Jay Earl Smith, 58, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 in Las Vegas after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Jay, who was born in Salt Lake City, has lived in Las Vegas for the past 32 years, and has been a prominent and well-respected member of the Las Vegas legal community. Above all, however, Jay was an adored husband, father, and grandfather. Jay is survived by his wife of 19 years, Ellen; three daughters, Natalie (Joe), Jessica (Sam), and Tara (Jay); son, Jordan (Chelsea); mother, Barbara (Ed); eight grandchildren, Kailee, Brandon, Brooke, Mason, Sammy, Jayden, Hallie, and Parker; four brothers, Blake, Craig, Wade, and Larry; four sisters, Lisa, Kendra, Loisann, and Lora. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, with the funeral services at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 10, both at Palm Mortuary-Downtown 1325 N. Main Street, Las Vegas. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Jay's favorite passion, UNLV Running Rebel Athletics. Please make checks payable to "UNLV Foundation" and note it is in memory of Mr. Jay Smith before mailing to UNLV Foundation, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1006.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal from Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Smith

Not sure what to say?





Chuck Binkerd

March 25, 2012

To the Smith Family

I just discovered the news of Jay's passing. I ment him in the 10th grade and have great memories of him being a kind and thoughtful individual. Throughout the 40 years since graduating I have heard nothing but great things about him. May the Lord's blessing comfort all of you in the days ahead.

Jacque Magee

March 21, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Jay's passing. Our times at Jolley, Urga, Wirth & Woodbury with him will always be cherished.

Howard Huber

February 18, 2012

I am deeply saddened to hear of Jay's early passing. I enjoyed great times with Jay through junior high and high school. I will remember him as being a true friend, accomplished athlete, exceptionally intelligent, and having a great sense of humor. Heartfelt condolences to Ellen, Jay's brothers and sisters, and Mom Barbara.

david cracroft

February 17, 2012

Dear Ellen and Family...
We have known Jay since Jr. High School. He was a stand-up man, pleasant and kind. A great athlete, a fine academecian, a generous citizen, and a devoted family man. And, he still is. We believe you and we will see him again. Life can be Eternal. May the good Lord comfort and cheer you, and Jay's siblings and Mom Barbara.
Love, Dave and Terese Cracroft, Salt Lake City

Ian Jacob

February 16, 2012

This candle will burn in Jay's memory.

Jackie Allsop

February 16, 2012

Ellen,

I'm so sad to learn of Jay's passing. He was truly an inspiring man, and I'll always remember him fondly for his easy smile, kind words, and quiet strength.

My heart, my thoughts, and my prayers go out to you and your family.

Kendra Reed

February 15, 2012

Jay my big brother, thanks for all the support and love big brother brought to my life. I will always remember, the shades, the car, and your intellegnece. You always were the kind brother and kept everything in prespective. I love you and miss you so much. Kendra

Jordan Butler

February 12, 2012

In the short time I knew and worked for Jay, I developed a deep appreciation and respect for his keen intellect, impeccable morals and character, and genuine kindness. He was truly an inspiration, and I'm eternally grateful to have counted him as a mentor.

Jay Earl Smith, simply one of the finest individuals I've ever met.

-Jordan J. Butler

Randy Rumph

February 11, 2012

In 1984 I moved to Las Vegas and began working with Jay at Jolley, Urga, & Wirth. Jay was always patient and kind when I would ask for help in legal matters. He was a mentor to many of us younger attorneys back then, and continued to be so even as we grew older. Thanks for being a great mentor and friend. Randy Rumph

Nelson Mackenna

February 11, 2012

"I can say he was my friend. We never went out socially but he was my friend. He told everybody to hire my services, because he was my friend. He always had a word of encouragement for me on my busy schedule, because he was my friend. He was happy to see me every time I went to his office, he was my friend.
Jay, I'm sorry I left the service before the end. I didn't want you to see me breaking down. I know you understand because you are my friend.

Judi Herring

February 10, 2012

My heart goes out to all of you, especially my friend Ellen from my days working with her and Jay at Jolley-Urga. There are no words.

Peyman Kermanshahi

February 9, 2012

Jay was truly a wonderful person. I had a pleasure knowing this man and I will always remember him. My depest condolences to your family.

Harry Fagel

February 9, 2012

Our prayers are with this beautiful family. Deeply, Harry, Leilani, Sam and Jacob Fagel

Jill Savely

February 9, 2012

May I extend my heartfelt condolences for the loss of a father, husband, sibling, friend and colleague; with special mention to Natalie, Jessica, Jordan and thier mother Diane as well as Ellen and daughter Tara. During this very difficult time for you all please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Rosewall

February 9, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I truly enjoyed working with him and Ellen at Jolley Urga, and my deepest sympathies go out to to Ellen and the rest of the family.

Mike and Becky Warnick

February 9, 2012

Such a sorrow to lose someone still so young, we are always grateful for the invitations to holiday parties that helped us make Las Vegas home. Your generosity will always be remembered by us.

Jana Rivard

February 9, 2012

It has been a privilege and honor to be Jay's legal assistant these past 11+ years. I have truly been working with one of the most brilliant, ethical and above all kind lawyers I have ever worked with during my 28 years in this business. I will miss him dearly and am so grateful to be associated with the firm that bears his name and others just like him. We will carry on following his great example. My love and support go out to all of his family.

Betty Stokes

February 9, 2012

Ellen & family, so very sorry to here of Jay's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bradley Kenny

February 9, 2012

An Attorney's Attorney. A great lawyer and an even better person. The Clark County legal community lost a giant. My prayers go out to his family. RIP Jay.

Rob Mancini

February 9, 2012

Please accept our heart felt condolences. Jay was a friend and fellow Black Belt well respected in our club. He will be missed.

Rob Mancini and all of us at John Natividad's Karate and Kickboxing Association.

Michael Olsen

February 9, 2012

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Jay's passing. He was a scholar, a gentleman, a fantastic advocate and a friend. As a mediator Jay was instrumental in resolving several cases in which I was acting as counsel. On the rare occasion we were adversaries he conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and dignity. His passing will leave a void in the legal community here in Las Vegas. May God be with you Jay and with your family in their time of need.

Phil Dabney

February 9, 2012

I was honored to work with Jay as an arbitrator and an attorney over the years. Jay maintained a positive attitude and happy disposition no matter what adversity was before him. He will be sorely missed in the legal community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jay's family.

February 9, 2012

I am so sorry to hear that Jay passed away. May your cherished memories remain in your heart and hope that love will get you and the family through these difficult days.
Beth Comastro

Lisa Davis

February 8, 2012

Jay, I love you and only have the fondest memories of having you for an older brother. Your shining example of never giving up will always remain with me. Rest peacefully. Lisa

David Martin

February 8, 2012

Dear Cousin Ellen, We were very sad to hear of Jay's passing. We know how difficult this must be for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All our love, cousins David & Mary Jo

Shalice Tilton

February 8, 2012

We all aspired to by like our big cousin Jay. Thanks for the fun childhood memories.

Stephanie M Smith

February 8, 2012

I am very sorry to hear of Jay's early passing. I enjoyed the years we practiced law together and felt he was a good solid human being.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

Make a Donation
in Jay Smith's name

Memorial Events
for Jay Smith

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131

How to support Jay's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jay Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more