Friday, January 28, 2011

Bail Bonds Legend Dies at 86


The “Little Mayor of South Main Street” may be gone, but he isn’t forgotten.

John D. “Jack” Smith Sr., a lifelong Wilkes-Barre resident, former local bail bondsman and welterweight boxing fighter, passed away Wednesday in Wilkes-Barre. He was 86 years old.

Jack, as people referred to him, was known for his well-rounded demeanor, being able to dine with the most respectable politicians while still bringing in culprits that skipped out on their bail.

“He had a table at the Woodlands every Friday night,” said Mary Lynn Smith of Fredericksburg, Md., one of Smith’s daughters. “He would eat dinner with officials, but if an average Joe needed something -- and Dad thought they were sincere -- he’d have no trouble giving it to them.”

Click on link to read full article at: The Times Leader