Major Jimmie Joe "JJ" Smith, USAF ret., of Lynn Haven, Fla., passed away at 3:15 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at the age of 82. He is survived by his loving wife, Corazon (Cora) of Lynn Haven, Fla.; his sister, Faye Whitehead of Panama City; two sons, James J. Smith and wife Maria of Weston, Fla., and Daniel W. Smith and daughter Willow of Lynn Haven, Fla.; 5 daughters, Pauline A. Robertson and husband Don, Bonnie L. Arnold and husband Walter of Lancaster, Texas, Yvonne E. Low and husband Steve of Draper, Utah, Jennifer J. Whited and husband Brandon of Panama City Beach, Fla., and Jovina J. Adams and husband Bill of Lynn Haven, Fla. Additionally, he is survived by his loving grandchildren, Walter DeWitt Arnold, IV (Witt), Terri A. Smith, Vickie L. Smith, Jeffery J. Smith, Juan J. Smith, Jessica J. Smith, Willow Ann Smith, Maria Low, Kevin Low and William Adams, III (Liam). Finally, he is survived by some very close relatives and "adopted" children, Leticia Santos, Rodegar Santos (Gus), Rayana Santos and children, and Ria Jernberg and husband Chad. At the age of 17, in 1944, JJ enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the aircraft carrier USS Belleau Wood during World War II. He earned three battle stars for Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Naval air strikes against the mainland of Japan. In 1948, he switched from the Navy to the Air Force and earned a commission to Second Lieutenant in 1953. He retired from military service in 1972 as a Major and as a veteran of three major wars; World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He loved the Air Force and flying aircraft, although he was not an Air Force pilot. He started taking civil pilot lessons at the age of 16 and by age 18 was a licensed single and multi engine land pilot. He later earned his instrument rating and became a certified ground and flight instructor, teaching many young men and women to fly. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and built and flew his own airplane, a Stolp Starduster SA-100. After military retirement, he managed Jack's Hamburger in the Panama City Mall for several years before establishing and operating his own business, Jay's Zesty Fried Chicken, a restaurant located in Lynn Haven. JJ was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church and served as a minister of hospitality there for 30 years. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Johns Catholic Church with Rev. Jerzy Zieba C.R. officiating. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories. The family will receive friends today from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.kentforestlawn.com. Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home 2403 Harrison Ave. Panama City, Fla. 32405 850-763-4694 www.kentforestlawn.com