John Smithson, 87, died Sunday May 22, 2011 in Flagstaff AZ. Mr. Smithson was born on April 17, 1924 in Claypool Gila County AZ. John served in World War II and was a Chiropractor in Flagstaff for 33 years. He served as a bishop, and patriarch in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a branch president in Cameron AZ, and went on a mission with his wife Ida to Chckasha OK. For 11 years he weekly visited prisoners at the Coconino County Jail. Ida preceded him in death on January 21, 2009. John was a founding member of the Flagstaff Optimist Club, member of the Flagstaff Hiking Club, Toastmasters Club, and Flagstaff Photography Club.

He is survived by his angel wife Rita McCoy Smithson, 4 children. Joanna Abner, Kerry L. Smithson, Geraldine Sauser, and Allen J. Smithson as well as 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren 5 step-children, 29 step-grandchildren, and 33 step-great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Norvel Owens Mortuary at 6:00 p.m. till 8:00pm on Friday May 27th. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday May 28 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center 625 E. Cherry in Flagstaff. Burial will follow with military honors at the Citizens Cemetery.

In honor of John the family request that those in attendance tie their Tie as John did.