Jay Smith

Jay Kevin Smith, age 62, of Jamestown, North Dakota, was born on March 30, 1963, in Jamestown to Harry and Berd Smith. As his mother fondly said at the time of his birth, “Now we have a complete basketball team.”

Jay attended elementary school at St. John’s Academy and later graduated from Jamestown High School in 1982. During high school, he was a proud member of the 1982 Jamestown High School State Basketball Championship team.

While still in high school, Jay began working at Dairy Queen and soon moved on to learn the flooring trade under the guidance of Jerry Willman. In the mid-1980s, he started his own floor covering business, Smith Flooring, which he successfully operated for over 40 years. Alongside his business, Jay also invested in real estate.

Jay was known for his generous heart and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. He lived a simple life by choice, working hard so he could leave his children something to remember him by. “No” was not in Jay’s vocabulary when someone needed help.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, broomball, darts, boating—especially parasailing—basketball, and fast-pitch softball, where his team won a state championship and later went on to start his own team. Jay also loved watching the Minnesota Vikings play and rarely missed a game.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Berd Smith; his infant sister, Roberta; his brother, Ken Smith, his nephew, Kevin and his Niece Tammy Norheim.

He is survived by his sons, Jason Smith (Kelsey), Chris Smith, and Brian Ryberg (Meridee); his grandchildren, Brooklyn and Jordyn Smith, and Wyatt and Alivia Ryberg; his siblings, Cindy and Dave Hinz, Harrison and Connie Smith, Chuck and Vicky Smith, and Jim and Karen Smith; and his uncle, Ray Clark (Eileen), along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Jay will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generosity, and devotion to his family.

Visitation will be held at Buffalo City Church, located at 409 3rd Ave SE, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the church.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the Bunker for visiting and food beginning at 3:30 p.m.