John Michael Smith, Jr., 86 years old of Wilkes-Barre, went home to the Lord on Saturday afternoon, May 12, 2018. He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late John Michael and Mary (Walton) Smith, Sr.

Jack attended James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict and worked in the local dress factories.

He was a very loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and touched the lives of all who knew him. He was the best handy man there was also spending his free time painting for local people and even The Lion on the Brewery in Wilkes-Barre. His true passion was as a musician, in which he had performed at a variety of establishments with numerous musical stars such as Marvin Rainwater, Tex Ritter and Lefty Frizzell, to name a few. He performed regularly on the Purvin Dairy show on WBRE in the 1960’s. In addition, he had won various music awards from the NE PA Country & Western Blue Grass Assoc., including, but not limited to: Best Duet, Best Male Singer and Best Performer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, the former Barbara Glycenfer, Sons John Smith and his wife Dee, Smithville, David Smith and his wife Carron, Miner Mills, Daughters Karen Luce, Mary Thiemann, and Barbra Cole, all of Wilkes-Barre, Cindi Stoodley and her husband Chris, Shickshinny, and Joyce Lalla, Plains, 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brother Michael Smith, Miner Mills.

Thank you to all the family and friends for their thoughts and prayers and to the doctors and Hospice who helped him.

Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family from the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.

In honor of Jack, Memorial Donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.