Services Set for CPS Coaching Legend Dr. J.W. Smith
Dr. J.W. Smith passed away on January 8 in Chicago. Smith, a native Chicagoan, is credited with bringing more sports and activities into CPS during his time as the Director of Sports Administration. Smith coached Julian High School to eight city championships and two Prep Bowl titles. Photo courtesy of Smith family
By J. Coyden Palmer January 13, 2022
Dr. John Walter Smith the legendary football coach at Percy Julian High School passed away on January 8 at the age of 84. Dr. Smith was a proud alumnus of the Chicago Public Schools, Northern Illinois University, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois-Chicago with a 30-plus year tenure as a teacher, coach, principal, and administrator in service to educate the children of Chicago. After a football coaching career yielding multiple championships, he is credited with expanding high school sport offerings and establishing an elementary school sport program as the Director of Sports Administration for CPS. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Dr. Smith dedicated his life to serving the community.
“Dr. Smith will be remembered as a true legend. He was an integral part of many students, parents and coaches lives as a strong leader,” said CPS Director of Sports Mickey Pruitt. “Dr. Smith’s impact is unparalleled in CPS athletics and he will be greatly missed.”
Dr. Smith is survived by his wife, Deborah; son Thomas; daughters, Ginger Bryant, Sheila Morris and Kelli Smith-Cureton.
Arrangements for Dr. J. W. Smith Jr. are as follows:
Visitation:
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
3:00 - 6:00 pm
Brookins Funeral Home
9315 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60620
Services:
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Wake: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Service: 10:30 - Noon
House of Hope
752 E. 114th St., Chicago, IL 60628
Interment:
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421
2:00 pm