James Franklin "Jay" Smith, 85, of Du Quoin, passed away at 3:15 A.M., Monday, January 19, 2026 at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL.
Jay was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korean Clean-up.  He had several jobs but he is best known for his twenty-six years as a UPS Driver, mainly in the Du Quoin area.  He was a member of the United Pentecostal Church in Du Quoin.  He loved working at the church, especially helping make peanut brittle and apple butter.  He also helped with the Men's Breakfast and doing some maintenance work.
Jay was born June 19, 1940 in Flatwoods, Greenup County, KY, the son of James Franklin and Mary Bell (Clark) Smith.
He married Shirley M. (Morrow) Otto on February 7, 1977 and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, one daughter - Rachelle (David) Berry, three bonus children - Natalie (Michael) Brand, James (Amy) Otto, and Robert (Sheila) Otto, eight grandchildren - Felicia Brand, Shayla (Andrew) Bevis, Paige Otto, Brianne (Jason) Springston, Catlyn (Marcus) Sawyer, Garrin (Kim) Otto, Chelsea (Tyler) Reiling, and Jordan Otto, nine great grandchildren - Ashlyn Sawyer, Amelia Sawyer, Hadlei Sawyer, Charlie Bevis, Emery Bevis, Michael Springston, Ellie Springston, Liam Otto, and Emmett Otto, siblings - Loretta (Mac, Jr.) Byrd, Robert (Becky) Smith, Nancy Davis, Richard (Sharon) Smith, Barbara (Joe) Herman, and Kathy (Harold) McKinzey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister - Josephine Jursic, and two brothers - Harry Smith and Harold Don Smith.
Funeral services will be at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at the United Pentecostal Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Dan McKinnies officiating.
Friends may call from 5 P.M. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.
Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL.
Friends may make memorials to United Pentecostal Church Building Fund or Marion VA CLC and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.