John “Jack” Michael Smart III

John “Jack” Michael Smart, III, 79, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born December 11, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island to John M. & Ada (Orme) Smart, II.  Jack graduated from Greenwood High School and got his undergrad at Indiana University.  He and his brother Tim were members of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.  Jack was a proud member of the Phi Delts Little 500 racing team.  After college Jack enlisted in the army where he served as a First Lieutenant in Korea. Once he was honorably discharged, Jack attended and graduated from IU Law School.  He started his law career as a deputy prosecutor in Marion County.  He then became the deputy prosecutor in Johnson County under Charlie Gantz, who would eventually become his first legal partner in the Gantz and Smart law firm.  Jack was the city attorney of Greenwood as well as an assistant prosecutor in Johnson County.  He and his law partner Doug Kessler established the Smart and Kessler law firm in 1991.  It later became Smart, Kessler, and Torres when Lori Torres joined the firm and Smart, Kessler, and Lowe when Brian Lowe became a partner.

Jack and Sandy enjoyed traveling the world, where he could explore the history of the places they visited and Sandy could find the best boutiques.  Jack also wrote a book in 2002 called Venus Project.  Jack loved his friends and siblings.  He was fond of their many outings playing golf, spending time at the horse track, and playing poker. Jack was a very selfless person who was always wanting to do things for others.  Most of all, Jack loved spending time with his girls and grandkids. He was also a member of Emmanuel Church and the Marion & Johnson County Bar Associations.

Jack is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy (Robinson) Smart; daughters & sons-in-law, Courtneigh & Greg Marlin, Lindsay & Scott Laham; grandchildren, Maggie, Mia, & McKinleigh Marlin, Lincoln & Ledger Laham; brothers, Tim (wife, Susie) Smart and Mark (wife, Becky) Smart; sisters, Shari Dransfield and Maizie (husband, Dan) Andrews; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded by his parents, his brother-in-law, Steve Dransfield; and sister-in-law, Debbie Smart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00pm Saturday, November 25, at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.

Visitation will be from Noon until the time of services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack’s name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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