John Henry Goldsmith, Sr.

John Henry Goldsmith, Sr. 88, of Jonesboro died Friday at St. Elizabeth’s Place. He was born November 4, 1919, at Memphis to Samuel and Julia Goldsmith. He had five siblings: Harriet, Frieda Mae, Julia Frasis, Rowan Causor, and Wilburn Causer.

His life was defined by his exceptional accomplishments and endearing qualities. Not only was he a gifted athlete who captained the 1938 Whitehaven High School Championship Basketball Team, but he served our country in World War II and Korea as well.

In World War II, John served as a 2nd Lieutenant stationed in England, and in the Korean War stationed in the Philippines.

After his service he moved to Jonesboro and was employed by JE Dillworth Company as a salesman. In 1961 John started his own company, Arkansas Bolt and Supply.

In his spare time John became a fixture on the golf course and often boasted about his three hole in ones in three consecutive years. John and Marge, his wife of 64 years, were together on the golf course most every weekend. Marge drove the cart and John played.

After heart surgery in 1980, he took up jogging and was a constant smiling face in the early morning hours at the JHS track. He befriended the people at the track and often continued his a.m. routine visiting with friends over a sausage and biscuit at the local McDonald’s. He also loved to “pump iron” at the Trim Gym, considering himself a true body builder. In his later years John’s time was spent caring for his wife. They were most often seen at local restaurants around town beating the lunch rush at eleven sharp. He was the eyes, she was the ears.

He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

He is survived by John Goldsmith, Jr. and wife Dana; Julie Neace and husband Tommy; and Jimmy Goldsmith and wife Christie. He has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church with Reverend Mark Wood officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday night from 5-7 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Leon Lloyd, Eugene Merrill, Jr., Paul Osborn, Lyndel Pratt, Joe B. Graham, and Frank Mote. Honorary pallbearers will be Phil Cook, Glenda Frankenberg, Warren Dupwe, Bob and Margaret Hollaway, and Hugh Harrington, Dr. Ray Hall and Fred Yawn.