Joni Smith

Joni Kay James Smith rode into the sunset on July 26, 2025, in Lafayette, Louisiana, surrounded by love, stories, and a lifetime of laughter. Born on October 12, 1966, to Karen Lavens James and Jerry Callen James, Joni was raised with grit, grace, and the good earth of southern Idaho.

She wore many hats and wore them all well: Daughter, Sister, Queen, Teacher, Counselor, Principal, Mom, Wife, Friend, Confidant, Mentor, and, proudly, Miss Rodeo America 1990.

Raised on a small ranch, Joni's childhood was filled with dusty pointy boots, 4-H steers, early mornings calving, long afternoons branding, junior rodeos, and sparkling crowns. As the daughter of Miss Rodeo America 1962, Joni carved her own legacy. A four-sport varsity athlete at Jerome High School still holding the 4x100M record, she earned college scholarships in both basketball and rodeo at the College of Southern Idaho, graduating with her bachelors from Boise State University. She was crowned National Miss College Rodeo in 1987, Miss Rodeo Idaho in 1989, and ultimately, Miss Rodeo America in 1990, where she swept horsemanship, speech, appearance, and personality at the iconic Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Joni brought that same drive and compassion into her remarkable career in education. For more than 30 years, she touched the lives of over 10,000 students, families, and fellow educators. She served as a science and PE teacher, school counselor, coach, and principal in both Idaho and Louisiana. She was known for her ability to connect, her thoughtful conversations, and her unwavering belief in the power of education. She earned her Master's in School Counseling from Louisiana State University and, on July 8, 2025, successfully defended her doctoral dissertation proposal at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her research focused on how school leaders in rural areas can partner with families and communities to close academic achievement gaps.

Joni's excellence did not go unnoticed. She was named the 2004 Idaho High School Counselor of the Year by IACRO, was twice runner-up for the Calcasieu Parish High School Counselor of the Year (2014 and 2018), and earned grants for her innovative cross-curricular astronomy and environmental science programs. She also shared her insights at national education and youth development conferences, including Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the ACT State Summit, and the 2024 University Council for Educational Leadership (UCEA) Annual Convention.

Joni is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, 1998 World Champion Steer Wrestler Mike Smith; their four children, Callen (31), Naomi (28) (and son-in-law Michael Perrone), Cole (23), and Nykell (20); and her cherished granddaughter, Stella Smith (7). She is also survived by her sister, Julee James Smith; her brother, Justin Callen James; and a wide and wonderful circle of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and chosen family.

She ran marathons and triathlons for fun, read mystery and thriller novels and personal development books, and rode horses with the same freedom and confidence she brought into every space. Her most recent trip was a joyful return to Wyoming, where she soaked up the "wide open spaces" and big skies she loved. Fittingly, she is now part of that big sky, looking down on us all with love, pride, and a sparkle in her eye.

In celebration of Joni's vibrant spirit, we invite you to wear bright colors-scarlet and turquoise were her favorites-to the following celebrations of life:

Celebration of Life - Louisiana
Johnson Funeral Home
4321 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA 70605
Wednesday, July 30

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Speakers/Service at 6:00 PM 

Celebration of Life - Idaho
Gooding Country Club
1951 US Hwy 26, Gooding, ID 83330
Saturday, August 2
Celebration begins at 3:00 PM
Speakers/Service at 4:00 PM
Celebration to follow

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor her memory by contributing to a memorial scholarship established in her name. Donation details will be shared soon. Thank you for your patience and support as we finalize the arrangements.

Let us remember Joni not with silence, but with stories, shared laughter, and maybe a little dust on our boots. Her legacy rides on in every life she touched.