Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in heavenly peace

Mark Mottola

April 4, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Bowers. Your dreams to become a police officer were what spurred a hero of honor and respect. You would have made no doubt a fine attorney.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 4, 2019

Officer Bowers,
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 Columbus. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 4, 2019

I was a CI for Neal and Det. Cottner, when Neal worked in Narcotics Division (Codename Bill). I was a 17 Year Old punk in 1974 when Neal busted me with pot at the local Shoney's restaurant. Instead of ruining my life with a narcotics conviction, he allowed me to become a CI for him and Det. Cottner. You could not ask for a finer officer, or better person, than Neal.
I was in a state of shock when I heard about the senseless, coldblooded murder of Neal. I had talked to him about a week before, and he was telling me of his plans to take the bar. I know he would have been as great a lawyer as he was a police officer.
You have been greatly missed, my friend. Because you believed in me and gave me another chance I went on to become a mechanical engineer. I only wish that you had lived to realize your dream.

David ?
Confidential Informant (CI)

August 30, 2014

RIP Officer James Bowers. Your murderer is still where he belongs

Debbie Peek
Citizen

August 19, 2014

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K. Murphy
Union PD, NJ

December 4, 2013

I am sorry to hear a man had to lose his life over some dumb stuff of a teenage and his son had to grow up without his dad.

Keep the man behind bars cause what say he wont do it again.He hasnt learned nothing.Mostly he lost his dad or both his parents is why he did what he did.

Belinda Potter

November 17, 2013

RIP Officer James N. Bowers, I'm sorry this Offender was able to cut your Life short, and bring so much suffering to your family. We will Not allow him to Live the Freedom of Life he so Selfishly took from you. We ask the parole board to think of the great Loss this offender has caused not only to family, friends, and his department, But to the Community he served as a Police Officer. We the people say No to his chance of parole in this Life, and we ask the parole board to reflect on this officers Life. Godspeed Warrior Bowers.

Angela Miller
Alaska State Security Officer

November 17, 2013

I am posting a letter written to the Georgia Parole Board as a reflection for the family written below. I hope it gives them comfort that many police officers and citizens across the country feel the same.

To Whom it May Concern,

I respectfully ask that you DENY PAROLE to William S. Lewis III, inmate #0000400014. This inmate's violent murder of Police Officer James Bowers, of the Columbus Police Department, in 1979, should preclude any consideration for parole.

On April 4th, 1979, Officer Bowers was responding to a robbery at a local convenience store when he was brutally murdered by inmate #0000400014. Even more tragically, Officer Bowers was killed only minutes before the end of his last shift with the police department. He wanted to become a lawyer and was to take his bar exam.

Officer Bowers left behind a young wife and a wonderful son, who was forced to grow up without a father because of the violent lifestyle inmate #0000400014 was living.

As a concerned citizen and in the interest of public safety, I again respectfully implore you to DENY PAROLE to inmate #0000400014. Justice demands that he be made to spend every remaining day of his full LIFE SENTENCE in prison.
This man did not show any mercy before violently killing Officer Bowers but now he begs for yours. Please do not be manipulated by this inmate who has a lengthy criminal record. I fear he will again take away an innocent life.

I humbly request that each and every one of you on the Parole Board take a minute to reflect that this officers death created an enormous hole in the lives of the widow and son, not to mention the loss of the unborn children that would never be. This officer could have been your brother, son, father, spouse or friend whose life was abruptly stolen. His aspiration to become a lawyer died with him that night. Each of you must search within your own heart if it is morally right to turn this convicted murderer free when he has already taken so much from so many.

Your sincerely,

Robert Dent
Bend, OR

Robert Dent
Oregon State Police (Ret.)

November 1, 2013

My wife and I mailed our No Parole letter today. God Bless your family.

Special Agent #8268
US Homeland Security Investigations, Phoenix, AZ

October 31, 2013

My Letter went out today. RIP Officer James N. Bowers, God Bless your Family, Friends and Department.

Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

October 31, 2013

When I was an MP at Ft. Benning, I got to know several Columbus Officers. They are a fine bunch. We will do our part to keep the bad guy in prison for you. God Bless.

Motor Officer Patrick B Douglas
Auburn Police Department, WA

October 30, 2013

Continue to rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service and for making the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow man. May God bless your family, friends, and co-workers who no doubt miss you today and for always. I am proud to send a "No Parole for Cop Killers" letter today.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) P.D.

October 30, 2013

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

October 30, 2013

Officer Bowers came out from undercover just as I joined the department and went directly undercover to work narcotics. About a year later he and I served on the same patrol squad under Sgt. Herman Williams and also Sgt. Chuck Cooper (two men that taught me a lot and occasionally made me laugh to tears). After 32 years of local, military and federal law enforcement these men stand out in my memory as great cops.
Bowers was a little older than me, a Viet Nam vet, and I tried to always make sure he was the guy to back me up when I thought I needed backup. He was tough and smart. He is buried across the road from my parents in Parkhill Cemetary so I visit his grave every time I visit my family graves. I hope his family realizes what a hero he was to many.

Special Agent Jerry Becknell
FBI-Retired

June 3, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 33rd 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 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.

The circumstances of this case were heart breaking but demonstrative of Officer Bowers' dedication and perseverance. Having graduated from law school myself in 1982 and knowing how demanding it is and the anticipation of awaiting bar results, I can relate to the sacrifice this officer made to complete his educational goals. I am sorry he did noo realize the fruits of his hard work and his dreams.

Rest In Peace

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

April 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Bowers. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

Officer Bowers didn't have to take his last call. It was a silent robbery alarm at a convenience store just as his shift ended. He could have left it up to the shifts that had just reported for duty but he didn't. His life ended at the hands of two kids , 15 and 16. One a wayward kid, the other a hardened street criminal . He had just completed his last year of law school, had taken the state BAR exam and was waiting for the results. He drove the more than 100 miles to Atlanta several times a week to attend night classes and he did that for more than three years. Following his death, his wife received the notice that he had passed the BAR. I was always told that he wanted to be a public defender. GOD what a tragedy and such a senseless waste of life. He was a good man.... a good police officer. We honored him with a perfect investigation that resulted in convictions. The oldest was tried as an adult and sentenced to death, later reduced to life by a misguided judge. Officer Bowers was a great loss to the community, his family and the Department. GOD bless him .

detective, Richard A. Smith ( former )
investigating officer

August 29, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 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

October 8, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which 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 a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time 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 fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a 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 streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 3, 2005

Officer Bowers,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbus.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

April 4, 2005