Community and family gather as retired JSO officer is laid to rest
Share and Follow


“Somebody asked him, ‘Do you wear anything but orange and blue?'” his nephew said. “And he said, ‘Yeah sometimes I wear blue and orange.’”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A funeral service was held Saturday for retired Jacksonville sheriff’s officer Jerry Smoot who served his community for 53 years. 

Smoot’s family and loved ones all gathered to honor his life and legacy.

Smoot’s nephew, Benjamin Maltby, told First Coast News his uncle was a man he looked up to his whole life and even followed in his footsteps by joining the marines.

“He was honorable, courageous,” Maltby said. “Obviously serving that long with JSO, commitment. He knocked that one out the park.” 

Smoot was a huge fan of the Florida Gators and shared this passion with his whole family.

“Somebody asked him, ‘Do you wear anything but orange and blue?'” Maltby said. “And he said, ‘Yeah sometimes I wear blue and orange.’” 

The family dressed in Gator colors Saturday morning to honor his passion for his team. 

“He was successful,” Maltby added. “He didn’t invest in things, he invested in people.” 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
St. Johns County bus driver arrested for trying to romance a student

St. Johns County Bus Driver Arrested for Attempting to Initiate a Relationship with a Student

The student said she received messages from an unknown number after being…
Pete Hegseth probes hundreds for Charlie Kirk slights

Pete Hegseth Investigates Numerous Complaints Against Charlie Kirk

Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon’s Secretary of War, is spearheading a witch hunt…
Whistleblower speaks out on Ohio train derailment settlement

Whistleblower Reveals Details of Ohio Train Derailment Settlement

() Class-action lawsuits are supposed to provide compensation and justice to victims of…
'Harry Potter' film will return to theaters for 25th anniversary global run

‘Harry Potter’ Movie Returns to Theaters Worldwide for 25th Anniversary

The original film will get a global theatrical run alongside special edition…
LeBron James sued by fan who claims star duped him out of hundreds

Fan Sues LeBron James Over Alleged Financial Deception

A devoted Los Angeles Lakers fan is taking legal action against LeBron…
Dolly Parton breaks silence on her health condition

Dolly Parton Speaks Out About Her Health Status

Dolly Parton has broken her silence on her health condition which has…

Potential Government Shutdown Puts WIC Benefits at Risk

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The government shutdown threatens a food-aid program, WIC, which…
Arson suspect in Palisades Fire that decimated Los Angeles identified

Suspect in Los Angeles Palisades Fire, which caused widespread destruction, has been identified

A 29-year-old Uber driver has been taken into custody related to the…