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John Smith Obituary
John F. "Jack" Smith, III, age 89, of Chicago, died Friday, September 19, 2025, at his residence. Devoted son of the late John F. Smith Jr. and Mary V. Cradick, he was born August 9, 1936, in Chicago. Retired Journalist with City News Bureau of Chicago, Chicago Daily News, WBBM, CBS, and CNN and Professor at Loyola University and DePaul University. Veteran, U.S. Army. Beloved husband of Mary Eleanor "Marilyn," née Carey; dear father of Mary Jo Msall, Maureen (Ivan Gazidis), Jack, Maggie, and the late Tom Smith; loving grandfather of Lucy (Simcha Barkai), Camille and Matilda (Nico Banks) Msall, Costa and Aidan Gazidis, and Conor Smith; fond brother of Bill Smith and the late George Burke (Deborah Corey) Smith and Patricia Anne (the late Jim) Lehr; dearest brother-in-law of Marilyn Shiel Smith and Jim Carey. Visitation, Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, September 26, at 10 a.m., at Holy Child Jesus Catholic Parish (St. Margaret Mary Church), 2324 W. Chase Ave., Chicago. Interment, Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Evanston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Misericordia, Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 (misericordia.com) or The Danny Did Foundation, 3008 Central St., Suite 203, Evanston, IL 60201 (dannydid.org). Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to leave a condolence message.
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Memories and Condolences
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Michael Martinez
November 8, 2025
I have great memories of talking with Jack about our shared experiences in journalism and making sense of the world. He was a joy in conversation. I wish I made a better effort at meeting up with him because he was so enthusiastic to talk about the craft behind serious journalism. Your memory endures here, Jack.
Tom Calhoun
September 24, 2025
Uncle Jack was always a great mentor to me and my three brothers growing up in Chicago in the 60s and 70s. His love of life and adventurous travels chasing the news from Wounded Knee to the Kremlin enthralled us with great stories of the world beyond the Northside. We loved his visits and the trip to the Smith Lodge in the Yupper is indelibly seared in my memory. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, tobogganing and ice sailing were some of the highlights of our youth.
He inspired me to reach beyond the City of Big Shoulders and fly off to USAFA and the far east in defense of our Nations freedom. He held his tenacious pursuit of the truth even when it cost him his job. His strong beliefs are indelibly seared in my soul.
I wish the Smith Family condolences and prayers in support of your loss. Know that Uncle Jack is probably interviewing a few of the world greatest leaders who have passed before we could really get to know them like JFK, MLK and RFK among others.
Please save me a spot so we can further discuss world events and the bloodiest sport...Chicago politics. We will miss you until we meet again!
Erin go braughGo Cubs Go
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Nigel Harris
September 22, 2025
We feel blessed to have known you. Thea and Nigel
Marilyn Woidat
September 20, 2025
Frank and I treasured each and every conversation we had with Jack at the SFH annual reunions . Indeed a Renaissance Man, his humor , knowledge ,
and ethics were part of his warmth and charm.
RIP Jack and sympathy to all his love ones.
Marilyn Woidat
Andrea Calhoun
September 20, 2025
A great being with honor and respect. Sending love to you all Smith Family.
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