John Good Smith

John Good Smith, age 66, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025. He is survived by his sister, Candace; brother, Patrick (Melanie); nephews Mike, Peter, Ted, and Tyler; niece Tara; and several great-nephews.

John grew up in Mankato and graduated from Mankato State University in 1981 with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. He later earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

For more than 30 years, John served as a research specialist at the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration. Earlier in his career, he worked as an advocate and self-advocacy coordinator for The Arc of Hennepin County, a therapeutic recreation specialist and director of resident programs at Trevilla of Robbinsdale, and a trip leader for socially integrated outdoor adventure programs with Wilderness Inquiry.

John was known for his tenacity, self-determination, and wry sense of humor, qualities that endeared him to family, friends, colleagues, and his church community. In 2006, he received the Charlie Smith Award from Access Press in recognition of his leadership in advancing the Self-Advocacy Movement in Minnesota. He authored and co-authored numerous reports, journal articles, book chapters, and other publications promoting community inclusion and self-determination for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A celebration of life will be held on December 20, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Spirit Catholic Community, 5011 31st Avenue S., Minneapolis.