J.B. Smith

U.S.A.F. Retired Colonel J.B. Smith, the personification of a hero and a good man, passed away on December 10, 2008, just short of his 89th birthday. Col. J.B. Smith served as a photo recon pilot in WWII & the Korean War, where he was shot down and held as a POW for 2.5 yrs. His last assignment in the Air Force was commander of the in-air refueling tankers during the Viet Nam War. He retired from the USAF after 30 years of distinguished and heroic service in 1968. After retirement he was dedicated to his family and world travel with his wife. His passing is a reminder that there is a great generation of men and women, who were noble of heart and strong in courage, who gave us the world in which we now live. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty years, Cherrie and his fifteen year old grandson, Andrew. He is survived by his three children, Larry B., Linda A. and Stephen M. Smith; two grandchildren, Jason Smith and Alison White; five great-grandsons; and many good friends, who count him as the best there is when it comes to an honorable and compassionate man. Viewing at 2pm and services at 3pm will be held Monday, December 15, 2008, at Horan & McConaty, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014. A private interment will be held at Fort Logan with full military honors. Family requests donations be made to either Colorado Talking Books or the American Red Cross.