JACKMAN – John “Jerry” Smith, 76, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Southern Maine Medical Center, Biddeford. Jerry was born Aug. 29, 1935, in Portland, to Vincent and Grace (Murtha) Smith.
He was a graduate from Kent’s Hill School in 1953 and went on to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston. Jerry has been a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown of Jackman. He owned and operated the family business Smith Hardware and Smith Oil Co. for many years. He was a member of Jackman Moose River Chamber of Commerce, Jackman Moose River Historical Society and Border Riders Sportsman Club. Jerry was an avid snowmobiler and was instrumental in the early days of the Jackman Trail Systems. He enjoyed his many years as trail master. Jerry was honored by the governor of Maine Jan. 15, 2002, with The Maine Tourism Award for his many years of volunteering his time to promote snowmobiling in the Jackman Moose River Valley area.
He is survived by his life companion, Ann Margaret Pomerleau; and sons, Craig H. Smith of Essex Junction, Vt., and Scott V. Smith of Jackman; and daughter, Sandra S. Byrum and husband, Troy Byrum, of Boone, N.C. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Stephanie Smith, Emily Smith, Shane Smith, Tori Smith, Matthew Byrum and Justin Byrum; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Hamilton Smith, in 1977.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Border Riders Club, P.O. Box 413, Jackman, ME 04945 or Jackman Historical Society, P.O. Box 875, Jackman, ME 04945.