Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer James Wendell Parham

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer James Wendell Parham

On the anniversary of 9/11, I thank you and your comrades for your selfless duty and courage that momentous day. Your sacrifice and those of the victims and other first responders will forever be honored in the annals of brave men and women who gave their all for their city, state and for the United States of America. A hero in every sense of the word. Thanks as well to your USMC service.

James Lopey, Assistant Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office (Reno, Nevada)
Nevada DPS

September 11, 2023

Officer Parham worked for me at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as a Correctional Officer. He came to us from the Marine Corps. He was a good guy and a solid officer. He transferred to the Port Authority as a Police Officer and was a well respected member of this great Department. On 9/11 he did what all good cops do, he tried to save lives! He ran to the sound of the guns and gave his life trying to rescue the thousands of people victimized by this despicable act of terrorism. He is a true hero. RIP brother

Captain Sal Lopresti
Federal Bureau of Prisons

April 6, 2022

Officer Parham,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 11, 2021

I worked with James When we were both federal correctional officers. He was a great guy, very dependable and always willing to help. Never forget the brave sacrifice of all those souls. Never forget that day ever.

Robert Herrera
Deputy U.S. Marshal

September 10, 2021

I cannot say enough or offer enough tears or emotions for the numerous, numerous amazing men and women who gave so selflessly and heroically that day and for still many, the numerous days that followed over the numerous years to come. On this 19th anniversary of one of the deadliest days for American law enforcement I'd like to say to you all thank you, God Bless you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 11, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Parham. Twenty-three too young to be taken . A hero forever!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 2, 2019

Oh wow I didn’t even know that this page existed. I received this link through work and immediately searched your name. Words cannot express how much I miss you. We talk about you all the time. I know some people may wonder why I am always leaving you a message on your 9/11 memorial page but that’s ok. They just don’t understand how close we were. I really wish you were here right now. I could sure use a laugh and a hug right now. I would give anything to sit and watch Full Metal Jacket with you even though we have watched it a Quadrillion times already (man I miss you). To others 9/11 happened so long ago but to me it’s like yesterday. I can still hear your voice saying “make sure you call me tomorrow.” I did call but you never answered. It was too late. You were everything to me and it sucks that you are no longer here. I love you Winnie, always and you will never be forgotten.
Oh yeah grandma just turned 92 and she is as sassy as she wants to be. I love you cousin and yeah “I know you already know that.”

Nicole Hoo

March 2, 2016

Mere words seem insignificant to honor your heroism and courage which will never be forgotten. On this the twelth anniversary year of the tragic devastation wreaked upon our nation, those brave men and women who lost their lives safeguarding others are remembered and revered.

May your spirit continue to soar and your memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect and gratitude for the distinquished service you gave to your community and country, and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made on September 11, 2001.

To your family, may God continue to hold you in his arms and may you be comforted by your faith and those who care for you.

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

May 7, 2013

You as always are remembered

Pat Van Den Berghe
Civilian, Manchester, NH

September 11, 2012

Every year since the tragedy of Officer James Parham on September 11, 2001, I reflect on what could have been and what a sacrifice he made for his country and my family. You see, my husband use to work at the WTC and had to be there about 6:00 am on the 92nd until we moved to Arkansas. My husband had the same name as James, looked just like him and was born in the same year as he. For me it was too close to home after I received a call from my sister-in-law telling me someone by the name of James Parham died in the rubble and someone called her to ask if that was her family member.

I had reluctantly moved to Arkansas after my husband left his job at the WTC for a job in his field. While we had left in mid year of 1999, my heart was deeply grieved for James Parham and his family. The resemblance of my husband and his age was in stark comparison, that they could've been brothers. I cried for weeks just thinking about the event of 9/11, my constant complaint in moving to Arkansas and the scary details of life. This event put perspective back in my life and helped me evaluate my blessed life.

I pray for his family as often as I think of this brave Officer, who selflessly gave his life for his country. Thank you, James and God bless your family.

In Him,

Mrs. Parham

Mrs. Parham
None

September 11, 2012

RIP Officer Parham a good friend,co-worker and most fo a great person.I will always remember you and your great smile.the city lost a good person doing what you love helping.

Jannie Cuttino
Bureau of Prisons.friend co-worker

September 13, 2011

OFFICER PARHAM, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN FOR YOUR SACRIFICE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,SC

May 5, 2010

I am forever in debt to the 23-37 and the 343. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. You are a true hero, Thank you for your service Sir.

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County, Florida

September 11, 2009

Officer Parham,
Sir, on today the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and all the other LEOs that died that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

You are not forgotten...thank you

Anonymous

September 11, 2009

It is beyond difficult for me, even after eight years, to leave a reflection for this officer. Officer Parham was the officer in the first case I ever tried in Newark Municipal Court, Part Three.

He was nervous, I was scared to death...ha, the perfect combination. But his reports were perfect and he never faltered in his testimony. He was so professional, it calmed me down, too.

I will never forget him. He was so sincere in his quest to become a good police officer he inspired me to do the same as a prosecutor. Oh yes, and we won the conviction which was for drug possession. He was in court with me a few more times over the years, but I never forgot that first trial or my first witness. He is missed.

God bless and keep him close and may his family persevere in the knowledge that he did his job so well and was loved by many for the service he did for the public.

Lisa Adams
Former Newark Municipal Prosecutor

September 10, 2009

The wicked flee where no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:1

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and family. May God bless and keep them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, FOR HELPIPNG PROTECT OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Friend of Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

March 12, 2009

Jim, a man of few words, but whose words rang so loud. Always had the answers in one way or another. You stayed with me at the hospital in NJ after I hurt my neck. You were by my side for hours. You kept me focused and distratced from what we thought was a bad injury. You were a quality guy Jim. We all looked at you as a role model. Your composure was impressive. Ralph still talks about the job application he gave to you for your brother while we were in the academy. I'll never forget you being by my side at the hospital when I needed you. RIP Brother.

PO Eric Eisenhardt
NYPD/PAPD/CLPD

July 13, 2008

You are not and will never be forgotten. You and the other brothers we lost that day are HEROES and will be remembered forever! Rest high on the streets of Heaven!

Deputy Brant Pewitt
Williamson Co. Sheriff's Dept TN.

September 11, 2007

Almost 6 years later and WE have NOT forgot! Thank God for heros like yourself!

Police Officer
Gastonia Police Department NC

June 10, 2007

Dear James:
My quest to write each of you who gave all you had to give, continues. You deserve it and much more.
I think of your actions in the same way I think of how a diamond, a rare and precious stone, is formed. It starts out as a mere piece of coal, but through time and pressure, becomes one of the most precious gems known to man. Something of value and worth. Something others would like to have, or copy.
Such, I think, are the actions you demonstrated on 11 September 2001. The day starts off and you are a common police officer. The stress and pressure of a building about to collapse, possibly killing 25,000 innocent lives, begins your transformation. Time is growing short. Knowing full well that the structure of the Towers cannot sustain the impact with collapse, you enter the building and assist in the safe removal of 25,000 of our fellow countrymen from certain death. The transformation continues...lives saved, the building begins to crumble, yet you remain to continue to rescue others.
The transformation is now complete. With your sacrifice, and determination, you are now our diamond...a hero. Forever your name and your actions will shine for others to emulate, copy, or wish they could be as tenacious and brave as you were.
I pray that our Heavenly Father, and all our brother officers who are with you, always know that you are our diamonds at night, in the sky. Until we meet in a better place, may you rest in peace with the knowledge that, as the saying goes, "Diamonds are forever". God bless you, God bless all police officers everywhere, and as always, may God continue to bless America. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office-Florida

April 25, 2007

a hero lives forever...

September 13, 2006

I believe that all the police officers that lost their lives that day are some of the bravest men in history.

Thank you Officer Parham for making that sacrifice.

Thank you for giving up your life for our Country.

We hope to see you in Heaven.

Victoria & Trey Connor

September 11, 2006

Today I had the distinct honor of carrying Officer James Parham's name in a memorial march to honor the law enforcement officers and firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11 in service to their Nation. As we read each hero's name, we were reminded of the sacrifice that each one gave so that others could live. I am humbled to serve in the same proud profession that these men and women served. These are the true heroes of our nation along with our servicemen & women. We can only hope that if our nation ever needs us again in such a terrible way, that we would serve as valiently as James did. He truly epitomized the words of Paul in II Timothy 4:7-8:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.

May you rest in peace brother.

Assistant Chief Robert Connor
Jacksonville Sheriffs Office

September 11, 2006

Thinking of you and your loved ones on this tragic day in history. You will never be forgotten and will be forever a hero.

Nicole Burdette
Wife of Deputy Alex Burdette EOW 3-12-05

September 11, 2006

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