J. D. Smith's Obituary
John David (JD) Smith, Jr., 49, passed away May 25, 2009 at Franciscan Hospice Home in University Place, WA.,after a recent diagnosis of Melanoma of the liver.
David (JD) was born on September 15, 1959 in Denton, TX. He was the only son of four children born to John David (SLICK) Smith Sr. and Mollie (LOUISE) Smith.
JD graduated from Denton High School in 1978 and soon after joined the United States Air Force. He faithfully served his country for 20 years, in the United States, Germany and Korea. After retirement from the USAFin 1998, JD made his home Tacoma, WA. JD then found employment at Pierce Transit as a driver where he enjoyed his job and fellow workers until his illness.
JD, is survived by his wife Sun Im, daughters Amanda of Edmond OK, and Staci of Tacoma, WA. He is also survived by sisters,Lecil Vinson, Elizabeth Crews (both of Denton), and Karen Denson of Grand Junction Colorado, plus a grandson and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. All who loved him dearly and truly will miss him.
When JD went home to be with his Lord and Saviour,his wife, daughter, parents, older sister and many great and wonderful friends (who were like his extended family) were at his bedside. His funeral service was held Wednesday, May 27th at Lakewood Baptist Temple with burial at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, WA which included full Military Honors.
JD was a man known to all as a True Friend. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a faithful member of Lakewood Baptist temple. JD never knew a stranger and was outgoing as he often shared the gospel with them. He invested himself in the lives of his family and the many others who came across his path. Everyone he knew will miss him immensely, but we who know Christ as Saviour rejoice in the truth-we will see him again. Philippians 1:20b-21--¦Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.-
We would like to thank so many who added richness to JDs life the past few weeks,an uplifting phone call from The Way of The Master Ministries Ray Comfort, and Actor Kirk Cameron, along with many others that touched our lives to include the Oncology ward at Tacoma General Hospital, Franciscan Hospice House, Lakewood Baptist Temple, Faith Publications, Pierce Transit, and Mountain View Funeral. We thank you for your compassion, kindness, prayers and support.
Memorial contributions may be made in John David (JD) Smith'smemory to a charity or organization of your choice. A memorial fund has been set up in c/o his family at Lakewood Baptist Temple 10650 Military rd. SW, Lakewood, WA. 98498.
What’s your fondest memory of J. D.?
What’s a lesson you learned from J. D.?
Share a story where J. D.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with J. D. you’ll never forget.
How did J. D. make you smile?