John "J.B." Smith, 83, of Denton, Texas passed away on February 15, 2024, in Denton, Texas. J.B. was born in Archer City, Texas on November 15, 1940, to August and Nola Smith.

He attended Archer City schools and graduated From Archer High School in 1959.  He attended North Texas State College (now UNT) and graduated in 1965 with a degree in Industrial Arts.  He held various jobs over the years including engineering tool design with Trinity Industries.  He ran Tee Off Golf and Games through most of the 1980s.  Throughout his life he used the skills he learned to his advantage, especially in leather work, where he, for a time, held the rank of master craftsman.

He began dating Ann Sitton in October of 1964.  They became engaged in November of 1964 and were married on March 27, 1965.

He is survived by his wife Ann Smith, daughter, Kathy Smith of Denton, sons, Robbie Smith and his wife, Kim of Coventon, Texas, Danny Smith and his wife, Karen of Lewisville, Texas, sister Patsey Bates, and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Mary Buckley, and brothers, Leroy Smith and Odell Smith.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 5 PM until 7 PM at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton, Texas. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, Texas.