of Jonesboro, AR
January 1, 1927 - February 17, 2014
J. A. Smith, 87, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, entered into rest February 17, 2014. He was born January 1, 1927 in Booneville, Mississippi to Jodie Smith and Clara Smith. He was retired Superintendent of Luxora School District and of the Methodist Faith. He is survived by two sons: James Smith of Texarkana, Arkansas and Bradley Smith of Collierville, Tennessee; one daughter: Lisa Carter of Jumpertown, Mississippi; grandchildren: Jamie, Clifford, Tory, Hayden, Hunter, Braden, Taylor, Krista, Hannah, Jenna, Kristin, Kayleigh and Drew; nine great-grandchildren; sister Mamie Ward of Booneville, Mississippi. He is preceded in death by his wife Benita Smith; one daughter Latricia Bryan; his parents; one brother Hollis Smith.
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16 Condolence(s)
SAUNDRA D HAMBLIN
Friday, January 29, 2021
J. A. Smith was my 7th grade teacher at Pisgah High School, in the Pisgah community on a Rienzi route. He seemed to not like me and I was afraid of him--he wrongly humiliated me in front of my classmates for something I did not do. I reacted to a boy seated next to me who tapped me on my hand with his pencil--I of course looked over at him and J A saw the incident--he immediately made both of us sit together in a chair in front of the class for punishment till end of class. That humiliation has stayed with me all these many years. I was paying attention in our lesson book and trying to be a model student when this boy wrongly got my attention with a thump on my hand. I never knew why J A did not like me, but I could feel his dislike for me; I was a good student. He seemed to enjoy punishing kids in the classroom. He crossed the line of a teacher once by inviting 2 boys home with him to spend the night, then, next day, he whipped one of the boys for joking around with him by placing his foot on J A's desk; that was cruel and he should have been fired for such action. He was not a good teacher and could not pronounce the word CANOPY correctly--I corrected him and that is probably why he hated me-I should not have corrected him, but I thought I was doing him a favor, kid as I was. Granted, he was young, at the time, and not a lot of experience under his belt. He is the only teacher I ever had that I hated for mistreatment. He was a couch as well as a teacher at Pisgah, so I know I have the right one---He must have mellowed through the years from all the other lovely comments left from others who knew him as a couch and teacher, but my experience with him was hellish. God have mercy on his soul.
Glen Burchfield
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Remembering Coach J. A. Smith
I just received notice of your death and it saddened my heart to hear it. Gee! What a coaching career you had. I am just glad I was able to participate during part of your coaching era. I loved playing for you – what a motivator of us players you were.
It was quite amazing how you coached all the sports, both junior and senior high school, taught classes, and even drove the school bus.
My favorite sports movie is “Hoosiers,” and the numerous times I have watched it, I always think of Coach Smith. You know, we had a cracker box of a gym, but guess what! Your junior high school team went to the state championship tournament and returned home as the state champions. Actually, you had many good teams in the various sports you coached.
Another fond memory I’ll always have is when I had driven to Columbia, Tennessee, to see friends and attend “Mule Day.” Before I left for home I decided to call you to see if Linda and I could come to Jonesboro and visit you. Anyway, we did visit you and spend the night. The next morning we had a wonderful breakfast and reminisced about old times. I remember looking across the table at you and saying “I love you coach.” We both got choked up and a little misty-eyed, but I am glad I said it.
A few months later my brother Larry and a host of other past athletes had a Gosnell reunion in your honor. Many of the spouses and numerous past Gosnell students also attended this event.
To your surviving loved ones, we both wish to convey our deepest condolences for your loss.
Sincerely,
Glen and Linda Burchfield
Arlington, Texas
kyle Brewer
Friday, March 7, 2014
Chuck Campbell
Friday, March 7, 2014
Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending my prayers
Jeanette Marquette
Friday, March 7, 2014
May Coach Smith Rest in Peace for he served us well. A great coach and we all loved him.
Mike Brewer
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Coach Smith will be missed. Praying for the family. Pastor Mike Brewer Jn3:16
Jimmy Dale Ammons
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Coach Smith became my coach in 1959 when I was a sophomore. In football, basketball and track, it was the most enjoyable experience of my life. I will miss him and will all the pirates of my era.
Ross Moore
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Our sympathies and prayers go out to your family.
Don Wright
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Coach Smith was coach at Gosnell my high school years. A big man with a big heart, many good memories. I met him several times through the years, always amazed at his memory. He would remember funny stories,I had forgotten. He had a great sense of humor.& he will be missed.
Dana Mooneyham Gibson
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Heaven has gained an incredible man. Mr. J.A. Smith was my very first Superintendent 36 years ago. He has forever held my highest respect and honor. Mr. Smith was indeed a "School" Man!!!! God Bless his family!
Dennis & Vickie Goings
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Our prayers are with you all during this time of lost in your family. Mr. Smith touched so many young people in his life. He will be greatly missed.
BOBBY ALEXANDER
Thursday, February 20, 2014
COACH SMITH WAS A GREAT COACH, TEACHER. AN EVEN GREATER MAN. WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM!
Carla Alexander
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Just stopping by to pay my respects to the father of my friend Coach James Smith. I have had the pleasure of working with James this year at Ashdown High School. He is a good man with a great personality which I'm sure he learned in part from his father. Love you Coach Smith and I am so sorry for your lose.
Phillip "Bo" Graves
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Mr. Smith was a great man. He made an Impact on my life. As my coach he was an encourager, motivator, and taught us discipline. My prayers go out to the family. Pastor Bo Graves
Charlene (Wise) Jernigan
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Mr. Smith was a good man. He was my first supertindent at Luxora High School in 1972. I stayed at LHS for 2 years and always appreciated Mr. Smith's encouragement. To the family, I am sorry for your loss and know Mr.Smith will be missed.
Wilbur Griffin
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
I first met Coach Smith when I was a 9th grader and he came to Luxora High School as a coach in 1962. When I was a senior at LHS, he and Teddy Hall were senior class sponsors. I enjoyed being around him and talking with him. I still talked to him several times even after I graduated and began my life after school. He was a good man and I admired him a great deal. My deepest sympathies to his family and his many friends and former students who knew him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.