Jake L. Smith, Jr.

Jake Smith, age 86, passed away at his home in Bellingham on Friday, December 26, 2025. He was born in Bellingham to Jacob Ladd Smith Sr., and Charlotte (Roth) Smith on June 13, 1939.

Jake attended Campus School, Lakeside High School in Seattle, and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1957. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington and a law degree from Willamette University. While attending Willamette, he met Gayle E. Emerson. They were married on August 24, 1963, in Portland, Oregon, and soon returned to Bellingham. Jake practiced law in Bellingham and eventually opened a solo practice in Lynden and served as the City Attorney of Sumas. Jake and Gayle were active members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bellingham where he served on the Vestry for many years. Jake was also a founding member of the Whatcom North Rotary Club including serving as a past president, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

He enjoyed spending summers on Orcas Island at the family cabins, fishing in British Columbia, taking ski trips, and watching the UW Huskies, the Sonics, the Seahawks, and the Mariners. Jake was a loving grandfather to his five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Aaron L. Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gayle E. Smith; daughter Trish Ehl, her husband Darrell, and their daughters Taylor (husband, Bret) and Megan (husband, Gus); son Kory Smith, his wife Krissie and their children Naomi, Gage and Gus; sister Marguerite Olson; and many loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, January 12, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2117 Walnut St., Bellingham. A reception will follow.

Memorial donations can be made to Whatcom County North Rotary.