J. S. Stan Smith

Smith, J. S. ?Stan?, of St. Petersburg, Florida, died Saturday December 27, 2003 at Bayfront Medical Center. A retired Air Force Colonel, he was born in South Lyon, Michigan and was a resident of St. Petersburg since 1973. A pilot during World War II, he served in the European Theater and participated in the dropping of paratroopers on D-Day and other airborne operations. He retired as Chief of Staff, Pacific Air Forces, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the nation?s highest peacetime award. His other decorations include the Air Medal with clusters, Legion of Merit, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, and several campaign awards. He received an undergraduate degree from Michigan State College, a Masters of Science Journalism from Columbia University, an MBA from George Washington University and was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. A former member of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, he was an active sailor and a United States Sailing Association senior race officer. He also served on the Yacht Club?s Executive Committee. At one time he served on the Mayor?s Advisory Committee of the St. Petersburg Tennis Center. He served as the editor of his World War II organization?s newsletter. He was a Daedalian. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Helena Rose, a son Gary Smith, two daughters, Melena Darr and Valerie Smith, all of St. Petersburg, and three grandsons.