By Terry James
BLOOMINGTON – Ellsworth Village President Jay Smithson has died.
He was also President of the McLean County Mayors Association. LeRoy Mayor Steve Dean remembered his friend.
“He was an absolute workhorse,” Dean said. “He would do anything and everything for the village of Ellsworth. As far as I’m concerned, he was a major asset to the community.”
Bloomington mayor Tari Renner offered his condolences.
“I’ve certainly interacted with Jay as a fellow mayor on a lot of community issues,” Renner said. “He was someone who was always very knowledgable and obviously very dedicated to his community and all of McLean County. He will certainly be missed.”
Smithson, who died of natural causes, was involved with several charitable organizations, including the WJBC Brotherhood Tree. He retired from his job at District 87 last year.
Terry James can be reached at terry@wjbc.com.
