John R. "Jay" Smith

Married my high school sweet heart, Kristine Erickson. We just celebrated our 42nd anniversary. I have enjoyed a rewarding business career and left the corporate world a couple of years ago to launch my own executive search firm. Along the way I started and sold two businesses. My career allowed me to travel all over the world. So many friends and great experiences have blessed our lives. After my marriage to Kris, our children, Jenne and Ben, are the best things that have come into my life. They are great people and I love them deeply. Along the way Rick Knechtel and I have remained the best of friends. Rick's Mom and Dad, Rusty and Jerry, were like my second parents. Rick helped instill a life long love of music in my life. We go on an annual fishing trip for Steel Head and King's every year in Oregon. This year it is in November; can't wait. I was blessed with God loving parents and was launched in life with the best of values and principles to live by. My Mom is a great woman and I can't express enough how she gave all her children such a great grounding in our Christ centered faith that has enriched our lives so thoroughly. We lost my Dad about 12 years ago. We were best friends and I love and miss him dearly.

Enjoy the Green Bay Packers and the NFL, Milwaukee Brewer Baseball, CSUFullerton Titan baseball, fly fishing, golf and riding my Harley. My fly fishing has taken me to places like New Zealand and Australia. Kris golfs and rides on my Harley with me.

Life has been so good so far and it feels like there is so much more to live. I have enjoyed reconnecting with so many on Facebook and look forward to the reunion. It should be very special.

One of my favorite memories is the science fair project Dirk Axe and I completed for open house night for parents and students. We drew and painted a large picture with black light fluorescent paint a scene with a black man and a white man arms around shoulders walking down a long road. We had dry ice smoking under the picture and a record player playing ‘He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’. Our booth wasn't complicated but we had the largest crowds around our exhibit all night. A lot of singing and dancing. I think it was thought provoking for many and a whole lot of fun for all. 😎

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