Joseph C. Smith

Joseph Christopher Alan Smith was born on August 15, 1977 in Omaha, Nebraska to parents Pamela and Alan Smith.He was born two minutes prior to his twin brother Christopher Smith. His family’s home in Florence on the north side of Omaha was the ideal place to grow up as a young child.He, his brother and friends grew up exploring the local woods, spending all day at High Point swimming pool, riding skateboards down the hill, biking distances his parents likely disapproved of, then coming home in the evening for dinner, just to head out the door again to play hide and seek under the light pole until night fall.Joe attended Florence Elementary where he both excelled and created lifelong friends.Sometimes he and his brother even walked the long distance to school as people did in those days, uphill both ways. One of his many passions in life was his church camp, Carol Joy Holling.Joe first visited Carol Joy as a camper in elementary school and it had a profound effect on his relationship with the Lord and with nature.Throughout elementary school and into junior high Joe stayed at both main site and ranch camp areas, however over the years he sought out any opportunity to visit during the summers.He rebuilt bridges, activity centers and shower houses for Carol Joy as a camper, then as an adult returned for work days to ensure the camp was ready to enrich the lives of young people who followed.The camp has modernized its facilities over the generations but nothing will replace sleeping in covered wagons and walking a mile through forest, over the creeks for a plate of hard earned food, then scraping the leftovers into coffee cans for the pig’s suppers. Another of Joe’s passions was ignited the day his family won airline tickets during a Florence Elementary School raffle contest.His parents chose this opportunity to take the family to Florida for the first time where they would visit Disney World, Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach.Joe and his brother fell in love with the tropical atmosphere and since then have returned almost yearly.It’s not Mickey Mouse that he fell in love with, but how Florida and Disney affects people.Problems melt away as people gain better perspectives on what is important in life.Families enjoy themselves as they would opening presents around a Christmas tree.Getting up in the morning no longer means putting on a tie and leaving your family for the day; instead it’s rejoicing just to have another day.The palm trees and strolls on sandy beaches are just icing on the cake.Joe would recreate this perspective in his personality, his home and his relationships.Travel would become one of Joe’s great loves spanning both leisure and business. Throughout high school and college Joe excelled again.Not only did he put great efforts into his schooling but again created lifelong relationships that are strong to this day.He and his friends took great pride in their cars, their ball games, their stereos, their romances, and becoming adults in whatever way they could think of to cause their parents grey hair.His friends will remember nights at Perkins restaurant, the hang out at Natalie and Michelle’s house, the car wash hang out on 90th street, trips to Arizona, weekends at the cabin, and countless other experiences.In college Joe and his brother went to the University of Nebraska Aviation Institute completing courses including pilot training, Airport Master Planning, and Joe’s favorite, Aviation Meteorology.Although his brother may disagree, Joe was certainly the better pilot of the two. Another of Joe’s many passions was the game of golf.He and his brother spent afternoon summers during high school and college playing the small courses in west Omaha just to kill time, however his skill in the game grew more than most.In fact, it turned into a lifestyle which eventually included club membership and the honor of being the best darn golfer most of us knew.You could find him at the driving range or the course besting those around him.Whether playing with grandma Poulsen at Legend Buttes in Crawford Nebraska, Torrey Pines in San Diego, or the Knolls in Omaha, Joe was in his element with a club and a golf ball.Entering Joe’s house you’ll find end tables in the shape of golf clubs, signed framed autographs of Tiger Woods, and various clubs in all rooms to practice indoors as the mood would strike him.His previous 2 story condo was especially suited for full swings with a driver. Joe’s love of aviation and the military drove him to the career he loved in Department of Defense investigations.He had his own business as a private contractor for companies like General Dynamics and carried out security clearances and other investigations for military officers.He performed investigations all over the country for everyone from second lieutenants to generals.Joe especially loved his work on Air Force bases and would say there’s no better sound than the roar of fighter jets in the morning. More than his travel, his business or even his golf game, Joe loved his family and friends.He was a man with the confidence to risk everything to create his own business and travel the world, yet just as much loved sitting around the fire at home with his niece and nephew.Joe’s entrance to the room at family gatherings was usually one of the highlights of the evening.He was a glue that kept his groups of friends together.Joe had no equal.His priority was his family, his friends and his faith. Joe was adoringly loved in life and now with his Heavenly Father.May he be forever at peace until we see him again. Joe is Survived by his Parents, Alan & Pamela Smith; Twin-brother Chris Smith; Niece Jasmine, nephew Nathan; Many other relatives and friends. Visitation: Monday, May 18, 2020 from 5-8:00pm with social distancing at Braman Mortuary – 72 St. Chapel (Family will not be present) Celebration of Joe’s Life: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 10:30am with social distancing at Immanuel Lutheran Church (2725 N. 60 Ave.). To livestream the service, please visit www.immanuel-lutheran.com In lieu of flowers, memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE68114 402-391-2171