The name “John Smith” is shared by many different people, including several well‑known historical and public figures, so there is no single answer to “when did John Smith die” without more context.

Here are a few notable John Smiths and their dates of death to illustrate how varied the answer can be:

  • Captain John Smith, the English explorer associated with Jamestown and Pocahontas, died on June 21, 1631, in London.
  • John Smith, the Scottish Labour Party leader and UK politician, died on May 12, 1994, after a heart attack.
  • John Smith, the American actor known from mid‑20th‑century film and TV, died on January 25, 1995.
  • John Smith, the English missionary nicknamed the “Demerara Martyr,” died on February 6, 1824, while imprisoned.

Because many other people also share this name, I’d need more detail—such as occupation (politician, actor, explorer, missionary), nationality, or something they’re famous for—to give a precise, single date that matches the specific John Smith you have in mind.