Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As time goes by and the hectic pace of raising a family decreases, thoughts of you come more often. Halloween always brings vivid memories of my day and yours so long ago. I wonder what your life would have been like, would I have nieces and nephews, would we grow old hanging out together. I suspect you would have retired from law enforcement by now, and maybe you would be hunting and fishing and even chasing some grandkids around. Your time on earth was way too short. I hope you and Tony and the many other law officers who have died while or after protecting the rest of us are all together. Our angels still watching over us. Miss you brother.

Brenda Boyd Turbyfill
sister

October 31, 2017

Jimmy, year (44) and I'm still reliving the last few minutes together as we responded to that 10-29 in progress as if was happening right now. I walk around with an internal video that never shuts off. Partner I miss you, I'm just waiting for the call from the Lord so you, Tony and I can together again. THANK YOU FOR SACRIFE, REST IN PEACE, PARTNER !!!

Ralph A. Romero, SGT. VET.
21st MP Co., 503rd MP Bn. Ft. Bragg, NC

October 30, 2017

Jimmy, (43) years later the pain and sadness in my heart hurts as if it was yesterday. I miss you Brother. As long as I have a breath of air in my lungs you will live in my heart. Thank you for your SACRIFICE. Rest in peace, PARTNER !!!

Ralph A. Romero, SGT. VET.
21st MP Co., 503rd MP Bn. Ft. Bragg, NC

October 31, 2016

Thinking of you on Memorial Day, brother, and most other days as well. Love you always. Sis.

Brenda
sister

June 1, 2016

Thank you, James Mathis, for your very kind words. I cannot imagine what you must have encountered upon your arrival. While Jimmy always has been in my heart, the activities of life often take precedence and we continue on. I always remember that Halloween in 1973, what I was doing about the time of his death, and what I was doing when I got that phone call that evening, and I suspect many others remember that day as well. Sadly, I lost touch over the years with many of his closest military friends, and I just learned a few weeks ago of his room-mates death (Tony Branch.). Tony and Jimmy are hanging out again, in a better place. Thank you so very much for your note. It just touches me so that he is not forgotten. God Bless and keep you. Brenda Turbyfill, Charlotte, N.C.

Brenda Turbyfill
sister

November 27, 2015

Ms Turbyfill, My name Is James Mathis, I was assigned to the 503 rd MP Battalion,108th MP Co. My patrol unit was the second to arrive on scene after the altercation between your brothers unit and the robbers.I have dealt with that scene almost every day for the past 42 years. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss,I must say that being able to send you this note gives me a feeling of closure. May you and yours have a blessed Holiday Season. James Mathis

Spec 4 James F. Mathis
108th MP Co. Ft. Bragg N.C.

November 18, 2015

I continue to be thankful for all of you who continue to post these heart-felt tributes to my late brother, James P. Boyd Jr., or "Jimmy" as we called him. I was so sad to learn of Tony Branch's death almost a year ago. Yesterday, for the first time since 1973, I unpacked a single piece of luggage that Tony brought to me shortly after Jimmy's death. In it was his hair brush, a bar of soap in a red plastic case, his razor, and many other personal items. It made the 42 years seem just like yesterday. I would be honored to hear from you, and to attend the tributes several of you have mentioned here, including the "Top Cop" competition. Ralph, I tried finding you on Facebook. Please let me know how to find you. I am still in Charlotte, last name Turbyfill. God bless you all. Brenda Miller Turbyfill, Jimmy's sister.

Brenda Miller Turbyfill, sister
sister of James P. Boyd Jr.

November 1, 2015

Jimmy 42 years this date (10/31/1973 on or about 4:30 pm) for me it seems like yesterday. The anger, sadness, anxiety and depression of seeing you make your ultimate sacrifice on this earth lives in my heart each second of my life. I miss you and I know someday will see each other again. Continue your rest my Brother!!!

SGT. R. A. Romero (VET)
21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn. Ft, Bragg, NC

October 30, 2015

Having seen the WRAL news today about the ceremony at Bragg, I am reminded of that awful day we lost a good MP. I was a member of Boyd's unit, in fact I stood beside him during inspection that afternoon. I think me & my partner were 2nd or 3rd on scene that afternoon. I was very honored to have stood honor guard at his funeral. Boyd was one of the good ones who would have given you his last dollar. It hurts me very deeply to hear of any fallen officer these days, because of being part of that brotherhood in 1972-73-74 at Bragg. My prayers are with those left behind of the fallen, and my utmost respect for the badge will always be at the forefront of my daily life here in N Carolina. May you continue to rest in peace officer Boyd,

Jerry Boucher 21st MP Co Bragg 72-75

May 29, 2015

Ms. Brenda Boyd Turbyfill -

We that were friends and partners with Jimmy will never forget him, his friendliness, and his dedication as a soldier, a 95B, and a genuine good man. My brief friendship with Jimmy taught me that his virtues such as kindness, laughter, and a positive attitude I would carry close to my heart for the rest of my life. Mr. Tony Branch, a fellow Military Police Officer and a career police officer has recently joined Jimmy up above. I'm sure they are sharing some fun times and laughs together.

John W. Morrison
Fellow Military Policeman 21st MP Co, 1972-1975

May 26, 2015

Today is Memorial Day, 2015. James P. Boyd, Jr,, or Jimmy, as we called him, is my brother. The tributes on the news and on other social media such as Facebook help us remember the bravery and the ultimate sacrifice given by so many, with Jimmy being one of those. I had no idea this site existed, and I am touched by the notes of friends of my brother, and so many others who never had the opportunity to know him personally. I think of you, Tony Branch, Ralph Romero and Don Rock, as you were Jimmy's family and that makes you my family. You, too, served your country with pride during your military service and after. God Bless each of you, and watch over those who continue to protect and serve.

Brenda Boyd Turbyfill
Sister of James P. Boyd, Jr.

May 25, 2015

Partner, 41 years ago October 31, 1973 on or about 4:30 p.m., you and me had an appointment with fate. While thousands of peoples were getting ready to celebrate a pagan holiday, you and I were answering an emergency call to confront two thugs who had just robbed a convenience store in Ft. Bragg, N.C. Jimmy, we did everything according to police standard operating procedure yet as life teach us, things don’t always end the way we expect them. Jimmy, to this date I carry the burden in my heart that I wasn’t able to do something to prevent you from having to make the ultimate sacrifice for me, for the U.S. Army and for this nation. Jimmy, I can assure you that I will carry the memories of those last few minutes to my grave. REST IN PEACE.

SGT. Ralph A. Romero, (Vet.)
21st MP Co., 503rd MP Bn., Ft Bragg, NC.

October 30, 2014

Jimmy-

Today is Memorial Day, May 26th, 2014. You are in our thoughts and one of the brave soldiers we remember on this sacred day for sacrificing your life on behalf of our great country

A Grateful American
Fellow MP

May 26, 2014

Very sad day! He was one of my room-mates when this happened. I was at the MP Desk when the radio reports
came in. He will never be forgotten!

CWO, U.S. Army (ret)
MP/CID

April 9, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 8, 2014

Jimmy, it's now been 40 years since you made the ultimate sacrifice. I think of you often. I reminded my sons of your service and our friendship today. I'm now retired and have a son who is a Law Enforcement Officer.

As I get older I seem to remember those days and all of us in the 21st MP. Co. more often. Rest in peace old friend. You are still missed by many.

Tony B. Branch
Retired police Major/

Former 21st MP. Co. Member

Tony B. Branch
Former roomate and friend of Jimmy.

November 4, 2013

40 years ago this date you and I had an appointment with fate, little did we know what the out come was going to be. My view of life changed completely when I saw you get shot and pass away in front of my eyes. Partner you have been with me ever since. I wanted so much to visit your resting place yet due to physical infirmities I was unable to make the journey. I hope and pray that before I pass on I can visit a while and retrace our last response to a 10-29 in progress. Continue your rest in peace partner!!!

Sgt. Ralph A. Romero, (Vet.)
21st MP Co, 503rd MP Bn., U.S. Army

October 31, 2013

Jimmie,
I think of you often...the sacrifice you made. I think of Ralph and Tony and Rock too. We all were deeply affected by your loss. We lost Greg a year later when he was killed in a TA while responding to an emergency call, and then Robert a year after in a downtown jail stabbing. October 31...we had just left guardmont at the PMO. The call came in...you and Ralph got there first. Your family suffered greatly in your loss. Know that you will never be forgotten my friend.

Pat Burke, SP4
21st MP Co.

September 28, 2013

James, I was on my way to Hay St (walking patrol) and had your military i.d. in my possession because you mom sent your key's to the bus station. I remember you every year my friend,RIP

Sp/4 Jerry A. Hibbitts
21st mp co,503 bt. 72-75

July 24, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 15, 2012

Jimmy (39) years ago, we were getting ready to go on patrol little did we know what was waiting for us. I have relieved this day for the past (39) years and I know I will continue relieving it, till the day I die and join you in Heaven. Jimmy The U.S. Army Military Police Corp has not forgotten you, they have honored you for the past (2) years and I pray and I hope they will continue long after I'm gone. "PFC. James P. Boyd, Jr. Top Cop Competition."

All is well partner, continue your rest in peace,

SGT. Ralph A. Romero, Sr. (Vet.)
21st Military Police Co, U.S. Army

October 31, 2012

I am a military police officer serving at Fort Eustis, VA and commanded the 221st MP Detachment. In 2010 we put together a law enforcement competition for young MP Soldiers and NCOs. In 2011, my staff and I decided to name the competition the "PFC James Boyd, JR. TOP COP" Competition in his honor. This year's event will take place at Fort Jackson, SC and hosted by the 17th MP Detachment (commanded by CPT Jeff Krohn). I would like contact his family and let them know about this competition, and also invited anyone that knew PFC Boyd to attend so we can formally recognize you.
Thanks, CPT Sam Arnett

CPT Samuel Arnett
221st Military Police Detachment

May 9, 2012

Warrior and Hero!!!

Inspector

April 14, 2012

My home is the 21st MP CO (ABN) its where I grew up, its also where I learned the names and stories of many hero's like PFC. Boyd. Most of these hero's were KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan. Modern day MPs after surviving multiple combat tours feel down right safe and relaxed while working the road, this leads to complacency and as we all know there's no place for complacency in our line of work. MP Boyd's sacrifice reminds us that we are not safe just because we are home. His sacrifice reminds us that even the best of us can be struck down. I will never forget nor will I allow my soldiers to forget the sacrifice and heroism of PFC. James Presley Boyd, Jr.

Rest In Peace Brother
First From Above
AIRBORNE!!!

SGT.
42nd. MP DET K9 Fort Bragg, North Carolina

December 21, 2011

My home is the 21st MP CO (ABN) its where I grew up, its also where I learned the names and stories of many hero's like PFC. Boyd. Most of these hero's were KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan. Modern day MPs after surviving multiple combat tours feel down right safe and relaxed while working the road, this leads to complacency and as we all know there's no place for complacency in our line of work. MP Boyd's sacrifice reminds us that we are not safe just because we are home. His sacrifice reminds us that even the best of us can be struck down. I will never forget nor will I allow my soldiers to forget the sacrifice and heroism of PFC. James Presley Boyd, Jr.

First From Above
AIRBORNE!!!

SGT.
42nd. MP DET K9 Fort Bragg, North Carolina

December 21, 2011