James O. Smith, Jr.

Jim (J. O.) Smith, of Overland Park, died early Saturday morning, August 1, 2010 at his home.

Born September 12, 1928, in Kansas City, Kansas, Jim proudly served his community and country as a Deputy Sheriff, Marine, and Overland Park Reserve Police Officer; and was a beloved father; though often feared by his daughters’ suitors.

He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1946, marrying his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ellen, in 1948. Their 62-year marriage ended when she preceded him in death in March of 2009.

He served as a Wyandotte County Deputy Sheriff before enlisting in the US Marine Corp in December 1947. He served with the First Division in the Korean War, fighting in the battle at Chosin Reservoir, where he earned the Bronze Star with V for combat service and two purple hearts. He left the Marines in 1958 as a Staff Sergeant; served 27 years as an Overland Park Reserve Police Officer, beginning in 1966; honored as Reserve Officer of the year in 1991; and retired as a supervisor at Bendix Corp. in 1985.

He was an active member of the American Legion Peter Smith Post 327 of Shawnee, and the General Larry Oppenheimer Detachment 1025 Marine Corps League, where he served as Color Guard Commander for Kansas City-area Veteran funerals.

He is survived by three children: Michael (Linda) Smith, of Olathe, Kansas, Sharon Smith, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Colleen Truelson, of Overland Park, Kansas; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The grateful family encourages donations to the extraordinary staff Kansas City Hospice.

Visitation and Funeral Mass

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at Pius X Catholic Church, 5500 Woodson, Mission, Kansas, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Military burial services will begin at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.