J. Phil Smith, was born in Hindman, Kentucky, on August 13, 1924. He is the son of Hillard H. Smith and Leodicia Francis Smith. Phil attended Hindman Grade School and later high school at the Hindman Settlement School. A bit of simple math shows that Phil grew up in Hindman during the Depression Era. He was five years old when this era got underway. Phil says of his childhood that he remembers a lot of work.

          His grade school years were spent at Hindman Grade School and could be described as typical for a young boys growing up in the hills of eastern Kentucky during this period.  After grade it was on to high school at the Hindman Settlement School and it was from here that he would graduate. By this time World War II was raging in Europe and the Far East and Phil like so many others from Knott County was there to do his part. He spent the years 1943-1945 as a member of the United State Army.

          After his service in the military, Phil returned home and realized the need to further his education. It was at this point that he entered Morehead State University and graduated four years later.

          Phil is married to Donna Snell Smith and they have four children: Hilliard H. Smith, Len W. Smith, Deborah Sheffel, and Thomas Davison. These have produced for him four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

          Phil has devoted his life to serving the people of eastern Kentucky, his community and particularly the young people. His accomplishments and awards are too numerous to mention but among them are: Chairman, Board of Directors, First National Bank of Jackson, Kentucky, President and CEO, First National Bank of Jackson, Kentucky for 50 plus years, Chairman, Board of Trustees for Lee College, Board of Directors for the Bank of Hindman, Member of E.O. Robinson Foundation, Member of the Board of Directors for Hazard Community College Foundation Board, and Member of the First United Methodist Church of Jackson, Kentucky.

          Other organizations Phil has been associated with include: Breathitt County Senior Citizens, Jackson Cemetery, Breathitt County Industrial Foundation, Kiwanis Club, Kentucky Historical Society, UK Alumni Association, Lafayette Club, Lexington Club, Breathitt County Lodge No. 649, Royal Arch Masons, Eastern Star, American Legion, Civil War Roundtable, Kentucky River Medical Center, and the list continues.

          J. Phil Smith has always given unselfishly of his talent, time and resources. His sincere devotion to the people and the businesses of eastern Kentucky and his willingness to help, have proven him to be a great leader.

          In summary the quote, “Write me as one who serves his fellow man” fits J. Phil Smith perfectly and Breathitt County should feel honored to have been blessed with one of Knott County’s outstanding citizens.