Officer Down Memorial Page

Rest in peace Jimmy, Gone but not forgotten!

Deputy Wright
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
October 5, 2011

Hey Jimmy........

Thinking of you and your family on this day. Rest in peace buddy.

Stephen Cantelli
October 4, 2011

I remember the BOLO on the radio. I was in New Orl. East. I believe it was the old Tenneco Station that was hit. Every time to this day that I pass West Esplanade & Page Drive, I ALWAYS remember. I never forget that day. I never knew James, but I always remember that day. To this day I always say if only I had been passing by at that time.

Former Senior Agent W. Vosbein
Ex State Wildlife Agent
September 17, 2011

Deputy, for all these years, I've remembered you. I didn't really know you much at all. You were a regular customer who dropped in to my business for a coffee, never said much.
One particular day, one of my machines was inoperable, because I needed a wrench to loosen a part, and couldn't find one. I was alone in the store,and could not leave.
You tried to assist me when you saw me struggling. You said to me, "looks like you need a crescent wrench." I gave up, you had to go to work, you told me on your way out.
An hour or so later, I hadn't even seen you come in. You were now in your police uniform. You were working on the equipment and had it fixed by the time I saw you. You walked past me, showed me the wrench in your hand, and explained how you went home to dress, and remembered to bring the wrench to help me out.
That was the same day you lost your life.
I only knew your name on your badge, and that you were quiet, kind, and caring. I saw the news the following days, and wanted to tell your family of your kind gesture in the last few hours of your life, yet wasn't quite sure how to share it.
Thank you brother, and friend, for being so kind .I will never forget you.

Manager
Store in the neighborhood
August 9, 2011

RIP Hero, Gone but never forgotten.

Anonymous
April 15, 2010

You will never be forgotten by those you left behind. Your legacy lives on. Walking through this journey together your family and friends are not alone.

Cathy Hill
GHC.O.P.S. President
March 1, 2010

Deputy Clarius thank you for your service. May God Bless you and your family. Rest in Peace! You will not be forgotten!

Lieutenant
Del Rio Police Department (Texas)
January 12, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
October 8, 2009

James, I miss talking and having that cup of coffee with you in the 106 area. You were a good person and friend. I still have all your news paper clippings. I still see some of the good old boys and when I do, I think of you. Talk later for sure .

Agent Malcolm faber
Co-worker
January 16, 2009

Jimmy,
I remember like it was yesterday when you fell. It hurt everyone, like a ton of bricks being dropped on us. Your sense of duty and committment to your job are fine examples for EVERYONE to follow, regardless of profession.

For beautiful Monique, let me just say, you are not alone. The grace you have shown has been a light for all of us. I remember you and your sons in my prayers. I have also gone through incalculable loss, and I know how tough things might be for you. From it all, I have only managed to come up with one thing that has guided me. I have to go on, to continue to live to make my loved ones proud. And they are, I know they can see us.

G. Burgess
NOPD
November 20, 2008

Well its been 12 yearsto the day that your were taken from us. I carried guilt on my heart for along time for failing you and your awsome family. God took the guilt away from me not long ago but ole sneeky satan has lately been trying to wedge it back in there. Oh how I miss you its a hurt that I cant describe to anyone. Please....Please give your strength from heave to Monique.....she love you so and holds you as dear to her heart as she did when you were next to her. I have tried to fill the void in my heart but just can't. I don't think there is another man on earth that is as great as you.....damn its hard to write. I refuse to let you be forgotten.....I brag on you every chance I get....You and Rachel will always have my heart....Monique tells me about how fine your boys are growing up....how Jordan is all you....I want to see him so.....well I love you....We all do...I think I'm going to dance our little "Jig" and get Rachel to do the "Cheer"....God I need you.....................

Rick Lofton
RPSO, JPSO, APD-Retired, Brother in Christ
October 5, 2008

It is an honor to wear the same uniform as you did, thank you for your service and dedication to duty, may I have the same courage as you shown if called upon. Your wife is one in a million and helped my daughter thru some rough times with just the offer of an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on.

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
May 9, 2008

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
November 1, 2007

May His light ever shine on you and may He heal Rick's heart.G-d bless.

October 21, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe
NH
October 14, 2007

Jimmy was a very charasmatic person. He left his imprint of love and laughter with those he worked with. He gave us an example to live by. In times of adversity, he always rose to the occasion and exemplified the true meaning of professionalism. In closing,

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

James "Country" Clarius, loved and dearly missed!

Lieutenant Tommy Anderson
Retired Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
October 11, 2007

Hey brother.......Happy Birthday! Only my Savior Jesus Christ knows how I miss you. You were the BEST friend a man could have and you have never been replaced in my heart. Im still carrying around the guilt....I have tried everything to let it go and I keep failing at that. Boy its hard to write through my eyes right now.....I feel you walking with me daily, in my heart....I love you brother.....I know you are in the most glorious place created by GOD and I am coming to see you...I will not fail you again....Rick

Rick Lofton-Retired
RPSO, JPSO, APD
October 3, 2007

it's been a hard 10 years for me. u r all i thinks about besides our boys. they r so grown up now. jonathan graduates in may. he has been given the opportunity to play college baseball. he is leading in rbi's with 32 and the season is not over. i can tell in his eyes how much he misses not being able to run to u to tell u this awesome news. he hurts but doesn't show it. he had to be the man of our family when he was only 7. so, he thought. i know u r so proud of him!!

jordan made the pony league at the playground. he is lil jimmy through and through!! he has your cocky attitude on the field, with his head held high and his sit down kinda pitching attitude. its really amazing. he is my shy one. the one that comes and snuggles up to me when im having a bad day. like i said U all over. i feel so blessed.

me on the other hand, i know u can see me and im trying real hard. but, the day u died, most of me did too. i do what needs to be done for the kids but, forget about myself. i have 5 more years and jordan graduates. its not an option for them to go to college. they will go. keep praying for me cause i feel like i am all alone. my momma says, im going to die of a broken heart and im afraid she is right. i will see u again some day. what a rejoiceful day that will be.

ps. tell my daddy we miss and love him, too.

with a heavy heart, i will love u always and forever!!

me

Monique Demma Clarius
widow
April 16, 2007

It's amazing how the Lord brings people into your life and that even though you may only spend such a short time with this person they would have such a profound effect on your life. Jimmy, I will always remember your kindness and willingness to go out of your way to help anyone that needed it. You and your family continue to be in my prayers.

Andrew Moore
Friend and Neighbor
February 7, 2007

May The Lord Bless and keep you, may He ever Bless your family.

October 5, 2006

Happy Birthday Jimmy! God I miss you. There is not a day that goes by that I dont shed a tear or laugh for you. I finally gave my life to Jesus Christ and turned in my badge, 17 long years 10 with out you. I am still sorry for failing you on October 5,1996. I wish you were here because I have bulldozers, two of them matter of fact, one could be yours and we could be working for Jesus Christ one push at a time together, but you already know all this because your hanging out with Jesus as I tell yo all this. We all still love you and I do my best to not let anyone forget you...I love you so very much..your brother in Christ 457.

Rick Lofton Retired
RPSO, JPSO, APD, Bestfriend
October 3, 2006

Jimmy you are still so vivid in our memories. I think of you often and ask myself, why? I will never forget that opening day of squirrel season when my wife gave me the sad news of your tragic death. I wept and so did she. Afterwards I began to reflect on the time we spent together on Patrol. Not only were you the hardest throwing shortstop on the RPSO Softball Team, but you were an awsome, natural policeman. My fondest memnory was when you and I had worked several armed robberies and baterries committed buy the same persons in the same vehicle. We were persitant in our search and ended up arresting them at my fathers conveinance store. We made the news, but most of all we got top honors on our shift. You went to Jefferson S.O. and returned several years later to compfort a mutual friend on his fathers deathbed. You were still the great guy I knew and respected. What a blow to our profession when someone of you integrity and valor gets taken. You are still in our hearts and respected for your contributions to our world. It gives me great honor to have be fortunate to work with you. The world is a safer place because of you. May you rest in peace , my brother.

Sgt. Bryan Lachney
Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office
September 22, 2006

As your watch ended, 3 weeks later, mine started. I never met you, but through the love of your family, I have come to know who you were. I know you are watching over all of them from above and I will do my best to help out from down here. I take you to work with me everyday and you will always be my partner unseen! You will never be forgotten!

Sgt. R. Snook
Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas
July 13, 2006

Jimmy,
It's almost been ten years since you passed away. I will never forget the good times of patrolling the Fat City area with you. We had some great times on and off duty that I still recall to this day. Rest in peace buddy. I will never forget you.

Stephen K. Cantelli
BLACKWATER USA (Pakistan)
June 17, 2006

My brother...you are in my thoughts and on my heart every day. You are missed so greatly. I carry the shame and hurt of not being there for you as I had promised. You and my dad were my rock. I know you are in heaven with my Lord Jesus Christ and you, my dad and you Mike are blessing all that love you and them everyday. I have shied away from your family because...I havn't been able to face them for not being the best friend to as I promised. I love you brother and you will never be forgotten. I will see you again and I will not let you down this time. Your brother in Jesus Christ Rick.

Officer Rick Lofton
R.P.S.O., J.P.S.O., A.P.D.
October 9, 2005