By Mary Kay Scharf
A few weeks ago, McLean County lost a true gem with the passing of Jay Smithson of Ellsworth. Jay contributed significantly to our community, but was quick to give the credit to others and often worked quietly behind the scenes. At his funeral, his cousin eulogized Jay comparing him to a diamond with many facets including service to his country, his community, his church,his District 87 workplace, and especially to his many friends and family.
Because there is so much to say and so little time, I can share only a sliver of the life of this man who was loved and will be missed by so many.
As a young serviceman, Jay served at Camp David during the infamous middle-east peace talks. A table he helped build with President Jimmy Carter, upon which the peace accords were signed, is now located in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
Jay served as the Mayor of Ellsworth for the past 15 years and in recent years mentored and supported new mayors in other small towns in the county. He was the treasurer of the American Legion post and was the to go-to guy on the board of his church for building, maintenance, and repair…in fact Jay was the go guy for this in every facet of his life.
Jay was a racing enthusiast, both owning and driving cars. He helped others pursue their love of racing with equipment, technical assistance, and advice.
He and his wife, Theresa, played Mr. and Mrs. Santa this year for the WJBC Brotherhood Tree and were long-time volunteers for this annual gift drive.
I had the joy of knowing Jay for 22 years as a co-worker and friend in District 87. As the district’s maintenance supervisor, he had the opportunity to work with teachers, administrators, City of Bloomington workers, and likely hundreds of vendors or contractors. Despite the breadth of his role, I heard these words repeated many times in the last few weeks, “I never once heard anyone say a bad word about Jay.” One can live a long time before they meet someone as respected and loved as Jay Smithson. Although he retired in August, he was the bedrock of the closest employee group I have observed in my career.
Soon after I learned of Jay’s death, I wrote these words about him:
Heart of Gold.Selfless.Laughter. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me!” Santa. Mr. Mayor. “Those Who Excel.”20 Stars.Infectious laughter. “Jay Way” …the name of the Trike Track at Sarah Raymond School…one of the many special things he made happen in District 87. He was the super-arranger of things FAR beyond prevention and maintenance and was a master of public relations – he had a gift for diffusing angry people! He delivered donations, saved more than one school carnival with generators and ice, approved very-special-requests, and made sure there was no drilling or roof work during state testing! Jay always found a way to get things done.
Jay Smithson will be remembered for spreading joy and good will with an approach to life and work, his community, and our schools that will be long remembered.
Mary Kay Scharf is the Director of Principal Leadership in the Bloomington Public Schools. A Clinton native, she was a teacher for 7 years and has been a principal and school administrator for the past 26 years. She is a volunteer for multiple community organizations, most passionately for the Not In Our Town initiative. The proud mother of 3 and grandmother of one, Mary Kay lives in Normal with her husband, Jamie.
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