Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff James Lee Clarius

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana

End of Watch Saturday, October 5, 1996

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Reflections for Deputy Sheriff James Lee Clarius

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

Just a note on this horrible anniversary: You are in our thoughts often.

Sgt.
JPSO

October 5, 2005

Final Inspection

The policeman stood before his God as must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward, now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint. I've had to work most weekends, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent because the streets are awfully tough.

But I've never kept a penny that wasn't mine to keep, though I've worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep. I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fears. If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I've never expected or had too much, but if you don't.....I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod as the policeman waited quietly for the judgement of his God.
"Step forward, now, Policeman. You've born your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's street. You've done your time in Hell."

______________________

Your sacrifice is not forgotten, sir.

dispatcher

August 16, 2005

Saw your story on Court TV. What a shame.

August 15, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

God bless, hero. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 5, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

Jimmy,
Their are no words to say how missed you are. You were a good friend and a loyal brother in Blue, You are sadly missed.
Sgt. JPSO

Anonymous

October 20, 2003

Jimmy,



The day we received the call that you had been killed was the day our hearts stopped. It was if our hearts were taken out beaten up and them put back in. You were such a wonderful uncle. I remember after Jordan was born you were all here at your house in Kolin visiting because you had decided to move back to New Orleans. Sarah was 7 years old and Hannah was 3. We were visiting ya'll and looking at your beautiful boys when you said to the kids, "How about some chocolate chip cookies." You went into the kitchen and made them for kids. That has always left an impression in my mind. What a wonderful father and uncle. At your funeral I never thought how your death would impact our children who were 10 & 6 at the time. Hannah didn't really know what was going on but during the funeral Sarah was sitting on the side with other relatives when all the sudden I looked over at her and she was crying her eyes out. This broke my heart. This is the impact that you had on her and of course all of us. Jimmy I only had 13 years with you as a brother-in-law on this earth but you were more like a brother. I thank God you met Monique. We love her and the boys so much. I know you will live on in your sons and in our hearts. We can't wait until the day we see you in Heaven. We pray that everyone that wants to see you again someday is right with God and knows that they are going to heaven because that is the only way they will see you again.



So long for now but we will see you later in Heaven.



Love,

Susan Clarius

Susan Clarius - sister-in-law

Jimmy,



The trial started this week. The pain of our loss is being renewed, not that it has ever left. The 25 plus years we were friends is not the easiest thing to put behind us. I often remember the good times and try to set aside the empty feeling that was left that misty October morning, easily the worst day of my life. I know you are in a better place now and eventually we will walk the same beat again. I'm sorry the promise I made to you when you came to our department has not been fulfilled. Slowed only by the slow wheels of justice. I just pray the system works and justice prevails. The same justice and system you gave your life for.



Love you man.

Lt. Tim Miller
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

Jimmy, Trial started on April 25, 1999. With the opening statements telling how the pieces of the puzzle would tell the events on Oct. 5, 1996. In which Jimmy it has told the events of that morning when your life was taken from your family. The jury has all the facts is now back making there decision. I which the 52 witness who have clearly stated what happened to you on the morning of Oct. 5, 1996. We would like you to know the family was there through it all. from the picking of the jury to the end. We love you Jimmy and miss you more each day.
Sadly missed every day...

The Clarius Family

Written by: Lisa Clarius

Lisa Clarius

"My only Brother"


There is never a minute that goes by that you are not weighing heavy on my
heart. I will never be able to fill that emptiness. The times we spent
together laughing, crying, hugging and talking, were the best times in my
life.


You were my rock in so many ways.


During my dad's final days, you were there for me in every way. Well,
I tried to thank you, but you just hugged me, told me you loved me and asked
for me to just be there for you when you would be in need. Brother, I am so
sorry for not being there at your time of need. I failed you and your family.
I will never be able to live that down with my self.


It should have been me that day, not you. Jimmy, there is nothing I can say
for how I feel about you. I believe in my heart you know.
You are the person that every man should model themselves after. A great
policeman, friend, brother, son, husband and father.


You touch so many lives in such a good way in your short life, you touch mine
in a way I can never explain. I love you!


Do you remember the "cheer"? On my bad days I catch myself doing the
"Cheer" no matter where I am at or I start telling stories about you and about
you and me to try and easy the pain.


Brother I will never understand why God took you away from your family and
your friends. He has his reasons and I know that it is a great one. We all
miss you so very much and pray to one day be standing beside you singing Gods
glory.



I love you Brother,



456

Officer Rick Lofton
Alexandria Police Department

Jimmy,



I won't forget your dedicated spirit and determined energy. You were an excellent student; you gave it all you had during your training and showed us the promise of the fine officer you would become. I was proud to be your teacher and I still am. I only wish you would have put your safety first, then you might still be with us, fighting beside us, giving us your wholehearted effort and easy smile. Your spirit still moves us to do what we know is right. We will remember your struggles and your victories but more than that, we'll remember the man that many of us were honored to call "friend."



Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the autumn's gentle rain.



When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there, I did not die.



Goodbye my friend.

Detective Don Field (Ret)
Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, LA

Dear Jim:



You chose a way of life as so many of us did, and you knew the consequences of what could happen.



You were among the dirty dozen, the original 12 in our class of 87. Who knew you would be the first to pay, so much time has passed since graduation day, that seemed to fade away, but not the thoughts of you.



You are so missed by family and friends. You were strong, steady and sure, and I have come to realize more each passing day that it could have been any one of us.



But it was you Jim we've laughed we cried we fought side by side, but your fight is over, and I know you are in that special place and hurt no more.



May the Lord keep you and bless you, may he shine his ever loving light upon you.
Goodbye my brother, my buddy, my friend.

Lt. Danny Van Mol
Rapides Parish Sheriff's Department, LA

It doesn't seem like it's been almost six years since you were murdered. I miss your laugh, and your smile. May God continue to watch over the boys, and your Mrs. They are always in my prayers as are the rest of your family. I was honored to meet them. It's no wonder you were such a great guy!

janie

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