Jason Smith

Jason Joseph Smith, 55, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on October 17, 2025, from a lengthy illness. Jason was surrounded by his family in his final moments at Avera Hospital.

Jason Joseph Smith was born on September 28, 1970, in Wagner, SD to William J. and Carole Marie Smith. Jason received his GED near Box Elder, SD as well as worked through technical training to obtain a certificate as a welder. Jason enjoyed working in this job role for several years and was proud of the many buildings he helped construct while working for Peska Construction and Henry Carlson Construction often pointing them out to his family and friends.

To tell Jason's (street name J) means briefly sharing both the bad and the good together. His life struggles started as a young boy which unfortunately continued to spiral well into adulthood. As a result, he spent a period of time homeless and as a result may have felt and experienced what it is like to be ignored, avoided, ridiculed, and even forgotten. He was known to occasionally abuse the resources that were given to him or donated by others, but certainly not always. One might think he preferred that kind of life, but the truth is he did it because he felt he did not feel he deserved any better. In March of 2020, he lost the toes on both of his feet from too much time in the cold while many businesses, who could normally shelter those in need, were shut down. Thankfully, a group of special people from the Bishop Dudley House, Southeastern Behavioral Health, Minnehaha Safe House, and Minnehaha County Human Services worked tirelessly to help him get into a residence of his own. Jason loved and appreciated having his own home over the past few years of his life and with it was able to experience a little bit of the goodness that really none of us deserve.

However, these facts and stories are only a part of the truth. Jason loved people and gave them all that he had so they might suffer less even up until the time of his death. He valued giving what little he had to bring happiness to others, often sacrificing himself for any amount of goodness towards them. He was full of humor and wittiness that made you laugh and cry at the same time. His life journey was never easy, but he knew and frequently stated to those around him how much he was blessed despite his circumstances.

He will be greatly missed by his longtime friend, Linda Mauseth, and many others. Jason is survived by his sisters: Victoria (Craig) Wittrock Sioux Falls, SD, Nichole (Chad) DeVries Brandon, SD, Cindy (Chad) Egeberg Brookings, SD. Jason also had many nephews and nieces.