LLoyd "Smitty" James Smith, Jr.

Lloyd “Jason” James Smith, Jr., age 70, of Joliet, Illinois passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Presence Villa Franciscan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Joliet, IL.

Lloyd Jr. was born on June 20, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois. Lloyd was the second born of five and the oldest son of Lloyd James, Sr. and Julia Ann Smith. 

Lloyd Jr. was given the nickname “Jason” by his Mom as her brother was named Jason and he passed away before she was born. Mom did not want to call him “Junior”…. instead she insisted that his nickname would be Jason.  

Lloyd Jr. attended Waller High School and graduated in June of 1967. He worked at the local A&P grocery store until December 3, 1968; when he made the conscientious decision to enlist into the United States Air Force.

Lloyd Jr. was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave, California and Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas where he was a Fire Fighter. Lloyd’s tour of duty in the Air Force lasted for four years, from December 3, 1968 to December 1, 1972. 

Lloyd Jr. married his high school sweetheart, Girtha Ree Derr on November 2, 1970, and from this union, his one and only son, Jason Derr Smith was born on November 2, 1976.

Lloyd Jr. was always a hard–working man, in 1979 Lloyd, Jr. graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy. He was so very proud of being an Illinois State Police/Trooper where his colleagues caringly referred to him as (“Smitty”).   Lloyd Jr. retired from the Illinois State Police in 2004 after 25 years of service. 

Lloyd Jr. is survived by his wife of 49 years Girtha Ree Derr Smith; one son, Jason Derr Smith; two sisters, Barbara Ann Burns (Steven) and Dwylett T. Washington (Mike); two brothers, Eric Randell Smith and Lloyd James Smith III. (Tandra); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him very much!

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his oldest sister, Lois Annetta Smith Murph.

Lloyd Jr. enjoyed Western movies, watching Star Trek, and collecting Star Trek memorabilia! Yes, he was a true Trekkie! But most of all, he loved listening to Jazz and attending Jazz concerts; especially if it was Jazz Master Boney James, his favorite of all time!  He would also spend countless hours watching his old time favorite movie, the Wizard of Oz.

In accordance with Lloyd’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life Service Friday, February 7, 2020. Cremation rites afforded.  Interment Monday, February 10, 2020 at 11:30 AM at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LLoyd "Smitty" James Smith, Jr., please visit our floral store.