JS
U.S. Navy · United States 
James Smith
1967
James Vallard Smith served the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Night Chief Jim Smith was accidentally shot and killed by another officer while struggling with a drunk driving suspect.
Chief Smith and three other officers in his patrol car had pursued the vehicle to Gillam Hill, where they forced it to stop. When Chief Smith approached the driver, the man punched him in the face. A second officer then struck the driver on the head with the butt of his service revolver, which was then discharged. The round struck Chief Smith in the head, killing him.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested and held on a drunk driving charge.
Chief Smith was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII.
Chief Smith and three other officers in his patrol car had pursued the vehicle to Gillam Hill, where they forced it to stop. When Chief Smith approached the driver, the man punched him in the face. A second officer then struck the driver on the head with the butt of his service revolver, which was then discharged. The round struck Chief Smith in the head, killing him.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested and held on a drunk driving charge.
Chief Smith was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, child, five brothers, and five sisters.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Barbourville Police Department
Night Chief
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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