Jay Earl Smith, 58, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2012 in Las Vegas after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Jay, who was born in Salt Lake City, UT, has lived in Las Vegas for the past 32 years, and has been a prominent and well-respected member of the Las Vegas legal community. Above all, however, Jay was an adored husband, father, and grandfather. Jay is survived by his wife of 19 years, Ellen; three daughters, Natalie (Joe), Jessica (Sam), and Tara (Jay); son, Jordan (Chelsea); mother, Barbara (Ed); eight grandchildren, Kailee, Brandon, Brooke, Mason, Sammy, Jayden, Hallie, and Parker; four brothers, Blake, Craig, Wade, and Larry; four sisters, Lisa, Kendra, Loisann, and Lora. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 9 from 3-7 pm with the funeral services on Friday, February 10 at 10 am, both at Palm Mortuary-Downtown 1325 N. Main Street, Las Vegas, NV. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the UNLV Rebel Athletic fund.
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March 25, 2012
Chuck Binkerd
To the Smith Family
I just discovered the news of Jay's passing. I ment him in the 10th grade and have great memories of him being a kind and thoughtful individual. Throughout the 40 years since graduating I have heard nothing but great things about him. May the Lord's blessing comfort all of you in the days ahead.
March 21, 2012
Jacque Magee
I am so sorry to hear about Jay's passing. Our times at Jolley, Urga, Wirth & Woodbury with him will always be cherished.
February 18, 2012
Howard Huber
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jay's early passing. I enjoyed great times with Jay through junior high and high school. I will remember him as being a true friend, accomplished athlete, exceptionally intelligent, and having a great sense of humor. Heartfelt condolences to Ellen, Jay's brothers and sisters, and Mom Barbara.
February 17, 2012
david cracroft
Dear Ellen and Family...
We have known Jay since Jr. High School. He was a stand-up man, pleasant and kind. A great athlete, a fine academecian, a generous citizen, and a devoted family man. And, he still is. We believe you and we will see him again. Life can be Eternal. May the good Lord comfort and cheer you, and Jay's siblings and Mom Barbara.
Love, Dave and Terese Cracroft, Salt Lake City
February 16, 2012
Ian Jacob
This candle will burn in Jay's memory.
February 16, 2012
Jackie Allsop
Ellen,
I'm so sad to learn of Jay's passing. He was truly an inspiring man, and I'll always remember him fondly for his easy smile, kind words, and quiet strength.
My heart, my thoughts, and my prayers go out to you and your family.
February 15, 2012
Kendra Reed
Jay my big brother, thanks for all the support and love big brother brought to my life. I will always remember, the shades, the car, and your intellegnece. You always were the kind brother and kept everything in prespective. I love you and miss you so much. Kendra
February 12, 2012
Jordan Butler
In the short time I knew and worked for Jay, I developed a deep appreciation and respect for his keen intellect, impeccable morals and character, and genuine kindness. He was truly an inspiration, and I'm eternally grateful to have counted him as a mentor.
Jay Earl Smith, simply one of the finest individuals I've ever met.
-Jordan J. Butler
February 11, 2012
Randy Rumph
In 1984 I moved to Las Vegas and began working with Jay at Jolley, Urga, & Wirth. Jay was always patient and kind when I would ask for help in legal matters. He was a mentor to many of us younger attorneys back then, and continued to be so even as we grew older. Thanks for being a great mentor and friend. Randy Rumph
February 11, 2012
Nelson Mackenna
"I can say he was my friend. We never went out socially but he was my friend. He told everybody to hire my services, because he was my friend. He always had a word of encouragement for me on my busy schedule, because he was my friend. He was happy to see me every time I went to his office, he was my friend.
Jay, I'm sorry I left the service before the end. I didn't want you to see me breaking down. I know you understand because you are my friend.
February 10, 2012
Judi Herring
My heart goes out to all of you, especially my friend Ellen from my days working with her and Jay at Jolley-Urga. There are no words.
February 9, 2012
Peyman Kermanshahi
Jay was truly a wonderful person. I had a pleasure knowing this man and I will always remember him. My depest condolences to your family.
February 9, 2012
Harry Fagel
Our prayers are with this beautiful family. Deeply, Harry, Leilani, Sam and Jacob Fagel
February 9, 2012
Jill Savely
May I extend my heartfelt condolences for the loss of a father, husband, sibling, friend and colleague; with special mention to Natalie, Jessica, Jordan and thier mother Diane as well as Ellen and daughter Tara. During this very difficult time for you all please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
February 9, 2012
Debbie Rosewall
I was so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I truly enjoyed working with him and Ellen at Jolley Urga, and my deepest sympathies go out to to Ellen and the rest of the family.
February 9, 2012
Mike and Becky Warnick
Such a sorrow to lose someone still so young, we are always grateful for the invitations to holiday parties that helped us make Las Vegas home. Your generosity will always be remembered by us.
February 9, 2012
Jana Rivard
It has been a privilege and honor to be Jay's legal assistant these past 11+ years. I have truly been working with one of the most brilliant, ethical and above all kind lawyers I have ever worked with during my 28 years in this business. I will miss him dearly and am so grateful to be associated with the firm that bears his name and others just like him. We will carry on following his great example. My love and support go out to all of his family.
February 9, 2012
Betty Stokes
Ellen & family, so very sorry to here of Jay's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 9, 2012
Bradley Kenny
An Attorney's Attorney. A great lawyer and an even better person. The Clark County legal community lost a giant. My prayers go out to his family. RIP Jay.
February 9, 2012
Rob Mancini
Please accept our heart felt condolences. Jay was a friend and fellow Black Belt well respected in our club. He will be missed.
Rob Mancini and all of us at John Natividad's Karate and Kickboxing Association.
February 9, 2012
Michael Olsen
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Jay's passing. He was a scholar, a gentleman, a fantastic advocate and a friend. As a mediator Jay was instrumental in resolving several cases in which I was acting as counsel. On the rare occasion we were adversaries he conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and dignity. His passing will leave a void in the legal community here in Las Vegas. May God be with you Jay and with your family in their time of need.
February 9, 2012
Phil Dabney
I was honored to work with Jay as an arbitrator and an attorney over the years. Jay maintained a positive attitude and happy disposition no matter what adversity was before him. He will be sorely missed in the legal community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jay's family.
February 9, 2012
I am so sorry to hear that Jay passed away. May your cherished memories remain in your heart and hope that love will get you and the family through these difficult days.
Beth Comastro
February 8, 2012
Lisa Davis
Jay, I love you and only have the fondest memories of having you for an older brother. Your shining example of never giving up will always remain with me. Rest peacefully. Lisa
February 8, 2012
David Martin
Dear Cousin Ellen, We were very sad to hear of Jay's passing. We know how difficult this must be for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All our love, cousins David & Mary Jo
February 8, 2012
Shalice Tilton
We all aspired to by like our big cousin Jay. Thanks for the fun childhood memories.
February 8, 2012
Stephanie M Smith
I am very sorry to hear of Jay's early passing. I enjoyed the years we practiced law together and felt he was a good solid human being.
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