IN MEMORIAM: Jack Smith ‘53
The Rev. John (Jack) Cutrer Smith, Class of 1953, died peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2021 at the age of 97. He had recently moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to be closer to his son and Grandchildren after having lived in New York City for over 70 years.
Born on Jan. 13, 1924 in Clarksdale to Gen. Edward White Smith and Blanche Cutrer Smith. Jack graduated from the University of Virginia in 1949 with a degree in Philosophy, after serving in the navy during World War II where he was stationed in Japan. He moved back home to Mississippi after graduation, but soon had a calling to enter the ministry.
He moved to New York City to attend General where he graduated in 1953 and was ordained as an Episcopal Minister. He went on to study at the American Association of Pastoral Counselors where he completed his Fellowship in Pastoral Counseling, which became his life’s work. Smith married Mary Allen Gregg (Allen) in 1959 and had two children, John Clark Smith and Alexandra Gregg Smith. He is survived by his adult children and two Grandson’s, Jarrett Cutrer Smith and Alexander West Smith.
Smith enjoyed spending time with friends and colleagues as a member of several clubs in New York: the Racquet and Tennis Club, The Onteora Club, The Holland Lodge, The New York Rotary Club, The Huguenot Society, and The Descendants of the Colonial Wars. He was known to enjoy a good joke and a great meal!
An avid painter and writer, Smith was a long-standing devotee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was particularly fond of John Singer Sargent and could be seen standing in front of a portrait exclaiming about the “gorgeous fabrics”. He also had a passion for gardening and created a terraced garden and fountain where he entertained guests. He loved to hear the birds sing and would sit out on his porch admiring the garden while enjoying a cup of tea, English Breakfast to be exact!
Smith loved the Opera and theatre and sang and performed on the amateur stage both at Onteora Park’s Theater and at the Church of the Ascension in New York City. Nothing could make him happier than a good attempt at the German Lieder.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for May 1st, 2021 at St. Thomas Church in New York City; the service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in-person. Interment services will be held in Onteora Park later this summer.
Condolences may be sent to either Clark Smith at 1052 Killdeer Lane, Crozet VA 22932 or Alexandra Smith at 145 East 84th Street, Apartment 14C, New York New York, 10028.