Articles

J.B. Smith was visionary, promoted integral
projects for Northwest Indiana

BY ADELE L. MACKANOS
adelem@nwitimes.com
219.933.3248

This story ran on nwitimes.com on Sunday, January 2, 2005 2:09 AM CST

Whether he was helping to launch a 1,100 slip Marina in the city of Hammond or serving as legal counsel to get a public broadcasting TV station on the air, J.B. Smith was always ready to make a dream become a reality.

"J.B was energetic and a true visionary -- someone who had time for any cause with a good purpose," said his longtime friend and law associate, Hammond attorney Dan Glavin. "He was an idealistic child of the '60s who could transfer ideas into brick and mortar. Channel 56 was one of those projects that J.B. thought would benefit Northwest Indiana, and it has. He was the man who made that public broadcasting station happen."

Glavin said many communities can thank Smith for going the extra mile.

Besides major projects that had a positive impact on Northwest Indiana, Smith was also a strong supporter of civil rights and the development of the Ophelia Steen Family and Health Services Center in Hammond, a facility that serves the low- to moderate-income families in the urban-industrial parts of the region.

"He was a compassionate man and had a passion for many things, including the arts and food," Glavin said.

Longtime friend Carole Moore of Munster said she agreed Smith professed to loving the finer things in life.

"J.B. has been a friend since our college days," Moore said of the man she considered a kindred spirit. "He was connoisseur of fine wines, good food, and someone who loved music and attending the Chicago symphony concerts. He was also a big fan of Purdue University's athletic events."

Moore said her friend also had a passion for playing tennis and traveling with his wife, Cheryl, to their favorite city, Paris.

"J.B. also had a summer beach house in Miller and knew more about Lake Michigan currents than anyone I know," Moore said.

Smith's untimely death was shocking to his friends and family, but Moore recalled that he always said he never wanted friends or family to mourn his passing, but rather celebrate his wonderful life.

"And, as per his wishes, that is what we did," Moore said.

Smith, 60, of Hammond, died suddenly at his home Dec. 22.

Smith was an attorney at Beckman, Kelly & Smith Law Offices in Hammond for many years and served on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army.

Funeral services were held Dec. 27 from Burns and Kish Funeral Home in Hammond.

Donations may be made to the Purdue University Scholarship Fund in Smith's loving memory.