Joel “Jay” Smith

Joel “Jay” Smith, 60, born in Nevada, Missouri on January 14, 1964, passed away peacefully surrounded by his friends and family on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

     Jay was a 1982 graduate of Nevada High School. He then attended Missouri Southern and graduated in 1986 with an Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. 

     He married Sammie Peters on December 23, 1989. To this marriage two children were born: Sable in 1992 and Colby in 1994.

     Jay began his employment at Heartland Behavioral Hospital, then the Nevada State Hospital, before beginning his 25-year career as a State Juvenile Officer in the 28th Judicial Circuit.

He dedicated his life to advocating for at-risk kids and families. In his free time, he was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting (especially turkey), fishing, and raising Black Angus Cattle.

Though his demeanor appeared gruff, it only hid a heart of gold.  His proudest achievements were his children.  Jay was dedicated to his family and numerous close friends.  Those closest to him knew this and knew his true character.

     Survivors include Sammie, his wife of 35 years, his children, Sable (fiancé Patrick Hope) of Nevada, Dr. Colby Smith, DO also of Nevada.  Surviving siblings include Barbara Heidmann (Mike) of Washington, MO, Dan (Joy) Smith of Raymore, MO, Donna Sellars, Rich Hill MO, and Dwayne (Suzanne) Smith of Nevada and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John “Jake” and Leona, Nevada, and sister, Mary Katherine.

     Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 at  Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Pastor Roger Beach officiating.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Nevada.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at the funeral home.

      He will be greatly missed by his loved ones.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for a scholarship through the Nevada R-5 Scholarship Foundation to be established in Jay’s name for students interested in Criminal Justice careers.

      You may view obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com