GREENFIELD
Jack Arthur Smithson, 88, of Greenfield, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018, at his residence. He was born on August 27, 193,0 in Gas City, IN as the son of Russell R. and Thelma L. (Butler) Smithson. Jack graduated as the 1st 5 Star Thespian from Fairmount High School in 1948. His cousin, James Dean, was the second. Jack served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-1949 and was on the reserve from 1950-1956. He married Barbara Jean Peal on September 28, 1950, who preceded him in death in 2000. Jack later married Jane Ann Collins Gill on September 22, 2001, who survives.
He worked for RCA Corporation from 1954-1986, retiring as the manager of purchasing. Jack negotiated annual contracts for Cooper laminated circuit board material, also fire retardant stypene with Huntsman Chemical Company. He taught negotiation purchasing courses to 120 corporation purchasing buyers including offices in Tokyo and Taipei, Taiwan. Jack attended management courses at Harvard, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Wisconsin. Jack was active in the Minority Supplier Development council, where he served as president in 1981. He was awarded the Key to the City of Indianapolis by Mayor Wm. H. Hudnut III in 1982. Jack served as the president of The Arc of Hancock County. He helped convert three different homes to house handicapped clients. Jack was a member at Nazarene Lakeland and Indianapolis 1st and past member at Trinity Park United Methodist Church.
Jack is survived by his wife, Jane Ann Smithson; children, Douglas Bryan (Allison) Smithson, Jeffrey Allan (Carol) Smithson, and Angela Rene (Kenneth) Swincher; sister, Carol Sue Smith; grandchildren, Shawn Smithson Fisher (Jason), Jason Smithson (Jasmine), Russell Smithson, Kelsey Swincher Money, Michelle Smithson, Clay Swincher, and Kiley Swincher Wintin (Lawyer); great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Jaycee, Marshall, Marlee, Zailee Jo, and Ty Cole; step-children, Sara (Christopher) Leonard, Roger (Joyce) Gill; step-grandchildren, Ross, Seth and Collin Leonard, Courtney and Katrina Gill; and one step-great-grandchild, Sophia. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara; son, Monty Lynn Smithson; parents, Russell and Thelma Smithson; and step-grandson, Caleb Gill.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 11 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 9401 E 25th St, Indianapolis, IN 46229 with viewing one hour prior to the service. Pastor Dr. Michael Morris and Reverend Mike Manning will be officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery in Marion, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to The Arc of Hancock County, 141 Green Meadow Drive, Suite 3, Greenfield, IN 46140. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary and church. Friends may share a memory or a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
