james horace smith
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
Officer James Horace Smith served with the Kansas City Police Department for 14 years. His nickname in the department was “Happy” Smith.
On June 14, 1928, three bank robbers attempted a theft in broad daylight at the Home Trust Company on Walnut Street. Tear gas was tossed inside by the police, forcing them to flee. In the process, they wounded five bystanders, and an older man suffered a fatal heart attack from the shock. Officers James H. Smith and Darrell Capshaw were working their posts at 11th and Walnut, and 10th and Walnut when the robbers rushed by. Officer Smith was shot and fatally wounded, but was able to shoot out the windshield of the get-away car. Officer Capshaw was also wounded as he was directing traffic. The robbers were caught several days later and all three suspects hanged July 25, 1930.
Officer Smith was 38 years old at his death. He was survived by his wife, Velma Gosset Smith and five children.
Reflections:
I am the granddaughter of James H. Smith. My mother, Hortense Velma Smith, was one of five children born to him and my grandmother who lived with our family for some time when I was growing up. I was not fortunate to know him since he was killed in the line of duty before I was born. However, I grew up hearing how the citizens of Kansas City loved "Happy" Smith. I visit the K.C. Police Memorial occasionally and have gone to Jefferson City to view the police memorial there. My husband and I have gone to Union Cemetery where he is buried to try to locate his grave site but have not been able to find it. Hopefully, the Union Cemetery Historical Society will be able to locate it and contact me.
Karen S Sutton
Granddaughter
James Smith was my great uncle. Our family referred to him as "Happy" Smith. His family was from near Warsaw, Mo. Growing up I heard the story of his legacy, never knowing the details until I read this article. Thank you for never forgetting him and his family. Thank you also for the kind words written by unknown friends.
Cheryl Watters
Great niece
References: