We are very sad to inform everyone that John Partington Smith, or JPS as he was to become universally known, passed away on 8th October. JPS was blessed with a number of strings to his bow. Very creative, and a talented artist, he was also something of a daredevil with a very practical side. JPS first started skydiving in the early 1960s and, whilst unfailingly modest, accrued a number of achievements which have become his legacy to our sport.
JPS created the iconic free faller BPA logo in 1973, the successor to Fred Gayler’s original design, and this remained in use, albeit with small modifications, for 47 years until our rebranding as British Skydiving in 2020.
JPS also produced the Superfly cartoons, featured in Sport Parachutist between 1974 and 1982, and will always be remembered for his part in the three classic Skies Call books produced with his good friend photographer Andy Keech.
JPS was himself a skilled aerial photographer and he and Dave Waterman were parachute cameramen on the 1977 film, based on Cornelius Ryan’s book, ‘A Bridge Too Far’.
We shall always remember, with gratitude, JPS’ significant contribution to our sport and his enduring role in the early development of the BPA.
We offer our sincere condolences to JPS’ family at this sad time.