Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Jack Don Williams

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, May 29, 1979

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Jack Don Williams

I think of Jack Williams and his family everyday. I remember his confidence was so evident, yet he was not arrogant; and his warm and pleasant personality which invited everyone to admire Jack. I so often visited his Industry Narco office and our conversations always drifted to Jack talking about his family.

We were partners on May 29, 1979 and we will always be partners.

Bobby Esquivel
retired LASD

May 2, 2023

A person I'll never forget! Jack and I were classmates in class #142. We both had two daughters about the same ages. Jack was in Narco and I was working Firestone/Lynwood. I was taking my wife to work at Kaiser Bellflower when we heard the news of the shooting on the radio. We knew we had to move our girls (Shellie and Misty) to a safer place to live as they had their whole life ahead of them and I wanted to be a part of raising them. We decided to move to Arkansas where I took a Chief's job and we raised our girls in the country on 5 acres with wildlife everywhere. Jack made this happen for us and my wife and I never forget his sacrifice. We pray that Dani, Lori and Kari had a blessed life. Miss you brother. Never to be forgotten. Richard Thomas

Richard Thomas, Deputy IV
Classmate in Class 142

March 11, 2023

Still fighting for you brother.

Mike Griffin Sgt. Ret.
Lasd

March 7, 2023

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Williams.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 29, 2020

Narcotics Bureau personnel is taking time to remember the ultimate sacrifice Jack Williams made. He is a hero and we will never forget him. His family, friends and partners are all in our thoughts and prayers!

Captain Holly Francisco
LASD Narcotics Bureau

May 28, 2020

Jack, we are getting very close to a freeway section dedicated to your memory. The proposed date is May 29, 2020. While that will be 41 years since we took that door, not a day goes by without me and hundreds of others remembering your courage, your bravado, your laughter and the privilege of working with you.

Bobby Esquivel, Narco Bureau
LA County Deputy Sheriff

January 23, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Williams,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

May 29, 2019

Jack and his family and friends are in our thoughts today. We will never forget Jack.

Captain Holly Francisco
LASD Narcotics Bureau

May 29, 2019

We will never forget your service and sacrifice for the residents of LA County and the surrounding areas.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

May 29, 2019

Your partner, Bobby is working hard to get a portion of I-605 named after you. We are behind his efforts. You were killed two years before I was Deputized by Sheriff Pitchess. RIP HERO!

Lt. GJG (Retired - Reserve)
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.
Ventura County Sheriff's Office

February 12, 2019

I met Jack in LASD Academy class 142 in 1970, he was a stand up guy, We spoke often about our families and someone I had the upmost respect for. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Los Angleles County and he will be remembered always

Jerry Markwith
LASD Training Academy class 142 1970

July 11, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 39th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 29, 2018

Thank you for remembering my father. He was one in a million. I miss him every day, and so amazed that people remember him. Thank you Gary.

Kari Williams
Daughter

February 24, 2017

Jack, I knew you way back in 1957 when we all rode the trails together along the Los Angeles River. We were very young, just kids and I was the president of the River Rats and you were a cool guy to ride the river with. In 1960, I graduated from high school and left horses and that part of my life where I knew you.

We weren't close friends, but you were, even at that young age, pretty impressive. Powerful build, handsome...you sort of reminded me of Audie Murphy, a war hero even way back then. And you became a hero and I do think of you still once in a while. It is sad to know you died so long ago but also inspiring to know you lived such a courageous life and died a hero, a devoted husband and great father.

Wherever you are, rest in piece and may your spirit soar and be happy forever.

Gary mccarthy
a childhood fiend on the Los Angeles River with horses

January 29, 2017

Every year I come to this site to read the comments. I cry as I read them but your words also bring comfort. Thank you again to all who have written such personal messages here. Many of you knew my Dad very well and I love hearing the stories.
Dad, you were an amazing man to so many people. I think of you everyday and miss you terribly. As a kid I always wished we could have May 29, 1979 to live again so I could have kept you home that day. Thank you to the Sheriffs Department for the memorial ceremony this year, the colors run a few years ago and all of your messages here that have helped to keep his memory alive.

Lori Thornton-Williams
Daughter

May 30, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 29, 2015

I just visited this site again today and after many tears, I want to thank you all for remembering Dad. This time of year is very hard for me and it makes me feel proud that my Father was remembered and respected by so many.

Thank you all,
Kari

Kari
Daughter

December 28, 2014

Thank you to everyone who has left a reflection here. 35 years ago today and it seems like it could have been yesterday. Reading your comments today brought a smile to my face. Thank you again.

Lori Thornton-Williams
Daughter

May 30, 2014

I knew Jack when we both worked Norwalk Station and then later when we worked S.E.B. If you worked around or with Jack you needed to bring your "A" game. Jack was one of the most talented Deputies I had the pleasure to work with. Taken way to soon....

Kari your dad was a great cop and also a great person that was a pleasure to be around. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to know him.

Terry

Deputy Terry Taulbee
Los Angeles S.D. and Riverside P.D.

March 26, 2014

Jack was my mentor when I worked patrol at industry and he schooled me in narcotics so well that I eventually worked undercover narco for 16 years. Jack was fearless. He cherished his family and often spoke of them and their activities. I was the first Deputy threw "that" door. His passing haunted me daily for three years in that I survived that day and Jack did not. Worse, I felt I failed in that I shot the suspect twice but didn't finish the job and the crook survived. I asked Jack's Dad for his forgiveness. I will never forget Jack, a special man and a Deputy respected by so many.

Bobby Esquivel
LA COUNTY SHERIFF

September 5, 2013

Thank you all for all of your reflections. I have never read these before, oro knew of this website - and how strange I find it on Father's Day. Thank you again for making me realize that Dad was loved and respected by many people.

Kari Williams
Daughter

June 16, 2013

Jack,

I'll never forget the friendship that grew out of carpooling with you for the twenty week duration of LASD Academy Class 142 back in 1970. You were always an inspirational friend and one of the finest men I have ever come to know.

Lee Branch
Downey P.D., retired

Detective L. Branch
Downey Police Dept., CA

May 19, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd anniversary of your death. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. I

am working very hard to defend the death penalty in California so that the men who brutally murdered 41 California law enforcement officers and a federal Secret Service Agent all remain on death row until executed.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 29, 2012

You are still rembered at the candle lighting in DC, and I wear a cap with your name every year. Seems like yesterday.

Retired Deputy Dick Wenig
LASD

October 27, 2011

Rest in Peace, Deputy Williams. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

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