Emmy Award-Winning Author & Humorist, J.B. Smith to star in new ID Discovery Channel Series! Read The Full Story Here
J.B. was continuously elected Sheriff of Smith County Texas from 1976 to 2012 making him one of the longest serving sheriffs in Texas history. He was elected by his peers to serve as President of the Sheriffs Association of Texas 2002-2003. J.B. retired on January 1st, 2013.
He managed a department of 350 personnel and over 1000 prisoners.
He is a graduate of The University of Texas at Tyler with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the National FBI Academy.
As sheriff for over 3 decades he was responsible for the investigation of 146 murder cases, hundreds of sexual assaults, child molestations, aggravated assaults and countless burglaries and thefts. When you add numerous family violence cases involving children it can cause depression in the strongest of men including him.
To compensate for the everyday trauma, the sheriff started looking for positive things that produce humor. That attitude adjustment evolved over 20 years into a “Laughter is Lawful” program that has been presented hundreds of times from New York to L.A. He is booked by speaker bureaus from Boston MA, Tulsa OK, and Texas.
In January 2016 he spoke on attitude and safety to 2400 employees of Phillips 66.
As a Vietnam veteran and sought after humorous speaker, the sheriff was contracted in 2011 by the Dept of Defense to be the keynote speaker for the Navy Seals returning from war zones. This expanded into programs for Marine Special Forces as well. These programs spanned four years and is one of the highlights of his speaking career.
J.B. Smith's Story
From businessman to Texas Sheriff...
Businessman
J.B. managed a big business which also happens to be one of the largest jails in Texas, housing over 1000 prisoners, a department of over 355 personnel, has over 100 vehicles and feeds more than 3,000 meals a day, while overseeing an annual budget of over $27 million. He was featured in front page lead story in the Dallas Morning News. He is a Texas licensed auctioneer.
Community Leader
J.B. was presented with the first ever "Excellence in Community Service" award by the National Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution. He serves on 5 Boards of Directors and was co-founder of the East Texas Crisis Center which has become a safe haven for abused women and children.
Rancher
On his ranch in Smith County, J.B. has raised registered Longhorn cattle. His menagerie contains over 15 horses, wild hogs, ticks, red bugs, armadillos and fire ants.
Texas Sheriff
J.B. Smith was continuously elected Smith County Sheriff since 1976. Sheriff Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas and is a graduate of the National F.B.I. Academy. He is a Licensed Forensic Hypnotist. He is past President of the Sheriffs Association of Texas, 2002-2003.
