James T. “Jack” Smock, 97, of Rossville, IL, passed away March 5, 2024, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston, Illinois. He was born November 23, 1926, the son of Harold O. Smock and Gladys Elizabeth (Cooper) Smock. Jack married MaryBelle Bower on June 21, 1947, in Danville, IL. She preceded him in death.
Jack is survived by his children, a son Tom (Carol) Smock of Danville, IL, a daughter Jackie (Jim) Morse of Danville, IL, and a son Bill (Lynn) Smock of Rossville, IL; 5 grandchildren, James R. Morse II (Tammy), Josie (Chanc) Persons, Jannah (Geoff) Coon, Brandy (Thad) Townsend and Rusti Stahl; and 12 great grandchildren, Tyler (Lindsey) Morse, Madison Morse, Alex Morse, Andrew (Megan) Savage, Thomas (Sierra) Savage, Mason (Abigal) Coon, Aiden Coon, Kyerra (Christian) Hudson, Jayce Townsend, Luke Townsend, Hunter Stahl and Kya Stahl. Also surviving are a sister Mary Fran (George) Stillwell of Florida, a brother Larry (Kenna Jean) Smock of Rossville, and many nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Beatrice Scott, Ethel Roach, Harold Lloyd Smock, John Smock, Gordon Smock, and Donald Smock, along with sisters-in-law, Donna Smock, Dolores Smock and Sue Smock, and brothers-in-law, Charles Roach and Thomas Scott.
Jack retired as manager of Rossville Telephone Co. after 35 years, and later did custom farming for several years. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida. He served in the United States Army and was a World War II veteran. He also served as a Village Trustee for many years and was a past member of the Rossville Fire Department. He attended Crossroads Christian Church in Danville.
Jack was very active and loved outside activities. He enjoyed horseback riding and belonged to the Rossville Saddle Club for many years. He also enjoyed golfing and was a member of Hubbard Trail Country Club. He enjoyed taking his boat everywhere to go fishing. Jack especially enjoyed working on his farm near Bismarck with his wife, MaryBelle, where they spent many years enjoying their little cabin and grass, as well as sharing the weekends with his children and grandchildren fishing, playing in the river, fish fry’s, horseback riding, and riding on that yellow 80 motorcycle.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday March 20, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1 P.M., with Pastor Miles Clark officiating. Burial will follow at the Rossville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Rossville Ambulance or the Rossville Fire Station.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Jack’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
