Jack A. Smith's Obituary
Sports Authority Founder Jack Smith Dies at 88
Jack A. Smith, a member of the Sporting Goods Hall of Fame and NOVA Southeastern University Hall of Fame, died peacefully in his home Wednesday morning. He was 88.
Jack was raised in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and despite moving around the country for his career, remained loyal to his hometown until his final day. Often seen sporting a Philadelphia Phillies red baseball cap and matching t-shirt, Jack was a lifelong devoted fan of the franchise. He was at the final games of both the 1980 and 2008 World Series with his son, fellow Philly native, Howard.
Smith began his storied retail career working for Singer Sewing Machines in the early 1960s. He would go on to work for Sears and Roebuck, Montgomery Wards, Jefferson Department Stores, WR Grace and Herman’s Sporting Goods before ultimately opening up a sporting goods mecca of his own, The Sports Authority. Jack grew The Sports Authority from 1 Ft. Lauderdale location in 1987 into one of the most iconic sports brands of all time. At its height, Sports Authority was a global household name with over 300 stores from the USA to Japan.
Jack retired as CEO in 2000 and switched his focus to helping other businesses reach the same level of success he had achieved with his own venture. He sat on the board of directors for Darden Restaurants, Fiesta Restaurant Corp., and Beverages & More, to name a few.
His biggest accomplishment by far was his family. Jack married the love of his life, Anita, on February 2nd 1957. They were together for 67 years and had 4 beautiful children- Donna (d. 2020), Howard (Lisa), Robin (d. 1967) and Randi (d. 2008). Jack and Anita (a.k.a. Bubbie) had 7 grandchildren – Debra, David, Aaron, Blake, Emily, Madison and Chase. They also had 6 great- grandchildren- Rhyan, Jonathon, Dylan, Kyle, Liam and Rilynne. Jack had a love for Wire Haired Fox Terriers and leaves behind his companion, Molly.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 at Beth David Memorial Gardens in Hollywood, FL (3201 N 72nd Ave). Shiva will follow from 1-6PM in the lower card room at 4000 Island Boulevard on Williams Island in Aventura. Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg Rubin Zilbert Memorial Chapels. (305) 932-2700.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made directly to the Livestrong Foundation.
https://www.livestrong.org/
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