John Patrick Smyth was born in Rostrevor, Co Down, Ireland on 31 March 1877. Hailing from a Roman Catholic family, he was the son of William Smyth, a seaman, and Ann Maguire.

Described as a sailor, on 31 January 1909 in Belfast’s St Matthew’s Church John Smyth was married to Sarah Moran (b. circa 1882). By 1911 they were childless and living at 4 Thompson Place in east Belfast.

John was part of the delivery crew, he joined in Belfast and left the Titanic in Southampton.

John and Sarah's first child Frederick was born in 1916.

John Smyth continued to serve at sea during WWI and also served with the Royal Navy Reserves.