Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer James Bruce Irby

Houston Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, June 27, 1990

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer James Bruce Irby

Happy fathers day dad! Sure do wish you were here to see everything this year. Cally is doing well in paramedic school, and has a beautiful son. I'm getting married this September, you could have met her. Rest easy dad.

Senior Officer/K-9/Son Cody Irby
Pflugerville Police Department

June 22, 2015

You are gone but never forgotten epically on this day .. Happy Fathers Day Daddy...Paramedic school is kicking my butt but I know you are looking out for me and your grandson always. Lots of big things happening this year for the family wish you were here to see. You would also be very Proud of Cody! ...Until I see you again, love always.

Cally Irby
Daughter

June 21, 2015

Your old district has had a rough week dad. Please take care of the two fine officers god has sent you this week.

Senior Officer/K-9 Cody Irby #225
Pflugerville Police Department/Son

May 21, 2015

You have some amazing friends dad. I had the honor of spending sometime with them this week, and they have never forgotten what they promised you. Their dedication to you goes to show just what kind of man you were. You did it right. I miss you and I love you.

Paco: I never knew the story of the flat tire. I wont say I understand your feelings. Only you have carried that burden for all these years. I only know my father because of you all. But I believe my father would have punched you in the arm, handed you a beer and given you a serious ribbing for blaming yourself. I know he wouldn't stand for it and I wont either. God had a plan for him, and nothing you could have done would change that. I love you buddy. My dad knew in his heart he couldn't work for god without you guys here to watch after my sister and I. He needed you here, and I needed you here. Thank you for everything you've done for us.

Senior Officer/K-9 Cody Irby #225
Pflugerville Police Department/Son

March 2, 2015

You have two children my friend. They seem to be doing well and on their way for you to be proud of them. I miss you myself very often and miss you cutting up with all of us who were part of your life. We went to school together and rode and played hard. We were friends and buddy's along the way. That day we played 42 til the rain stopped and were to meet on Airline to write a few tickets. When we came out of our hole to ride off, my bike had a flat. I told you I would see you there soon as I fixed it. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you. I know you forgive me, I have to forgive myself. I wished I would have been there to help or went down with you.

Gary "Paco" Clendennen
HPD Solos Retired

February 25, 2015

I miss you everyday. I wish you were here to see your grandson Truett James Irby grow up. He is almost 2 now..I always strive to make you proud. Love you dad.

Cally Irby
EMT/Daughter

February 22, 2015

I am laying here awake at 1 in the morning thinking about Jim for some reason. I thought I would google his name and make sure that he is remembered in some way by others. Jim was a giant of a man but a gentle giant. I think it was Jims violent death that really propelled me to do more to save the lives of other officers, building holsters, knives, & training officers throughout the country to prevail in the sudden violent encounter that comes with our job. Jim Irby's spirit is with me as I work to motivate and inspire others through department training and Hoffners Training Academy. He would smile confidently as he swung on his helmet, mount his police hog, and ride off into the night, unafraid. Jim, thanks for being a friend, thank you for your service and your ultimate payment to the job you loved, and thanks for inspiring me as I continue to do my work.

Senior Officer Brian Hoffner, Badge #2319, Class 103, 1982
President, The Hoffner Group of Companies
Let others be sheep

Senior Officer Brian Hoffner
Houston Police Department

December 8, 2014

I have been missing you so much these days. This year hasn't been a simple or easy one. That being said I know you've been watching over me and probably trying your best to teach me some lessons along the way. There have been many times I wished you were here for me to turn to. You were stolen from all of us far to soon, and Justice has not been swift despite all that you/we stood/stand for. But regardless of the sacrifices we continue to march forward. We know no other way to not only survive, but to live and live well. Rest well dad. I miss you.

Senior Officer/K-9 Cody Irby #225
Pflugerville Police Department/Son

November 12, 2014

I miss you my Brother !

Senior Officer Greg Grymes
Houston P.D. (Retired)

June 27, 2014

Happy Father's Day dad. I still miss you everyday

Senior Officer/K-9 Cody Irby #225
Pflugerville Police Department/Son

June 15, 2014

What can be said about one who takes the responsibility to defend his fellow man with his own life day to day? You knew the risks and yet you worked tirelessly each and everyday making a difference. How does one recognize and laud each and every sacrifice?

Since meeting your daughter in 2008, by chance, and being told the story of your heroic and selfless life by your wife I have never had more respect for someone I've never met. I have never looked up to or tried to remember to pattern MY behavior to be like someone who, unfortunately, was stolen away far too early. But I sit here alone in my office again in Afghanistan thinking to myself "Wow.... I hope that I live each day that God gives me like you did". I hope I have the dedication, love of my job, and selfless service that you displayed daily and that those around you still speak so fondly of 20+ years after the fact. You are a true hero and one that still commands respect from generations well past your own. It is my hearts cry that when the day comes and I am called away for the final time, and role call is called and I can not answer, that those around me will validate that I had the same "stuff" as Officer James Irby, HPD.

SFC Bradley Coffey
USA, Family Friend

May 7, 2014

My Dad was also a motor officer & knew Jim well, I met him through Dad. We weren't best friends but I thought of him as a very good one. I used to work down on Market Square at the Village Inn Pizza Parlor and he was always there when I needed help. He was a very funny guy, always had a humorous story to tell. I'll never forget him.
He had "Pride, Integrity & Guts".

Civilian, Terry R Fletche B#401's son
Friend

September 27, 2013

Uncle Jimmy I never got the chance to meet you but my mom tells me stories about you all the the time. She tells me about the night you died and about the house you loaned her you sound like a great man. I can't wait to meet you in heaven some day I just want you to know that you are my favorite uncle ever even though I have never met you. I also want you to know that your loved and honored very much. I love you very much! I cry everything my mom tells me about the night you died.

Hadyn
Your niece

August 14, 2013

I USED TO BBQ FOR THE FISHING TOURNAMENT THAT WAS HELD IN GALVSSTION EVERY YEAR. I STILL A BOOKLETT THAT WAS PRODUCED BY STOP AND GO. AND HIS PICTURE IS IN IT. HE WAS A FINE OFFICER AND GOOD FRIEND, MAY HE REST IN PEACE

WAYNE M JONES DETECTIVE RETIRED
HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 30, 2013

Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, and I know there are many others out there that do the same. 23 years today and your memory still lives on. Rest in peace.

Cody Irby
Plugerville Police Department (Son)

June 27, 2013

Heroes live forever, Officer Irby, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

June 27, 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 22nd 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.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Maura, Cody and Callie: I am glad that the resentencing resulted in the death penalty, but am sorry that you have been waiting for justice for so long and that you had to relive the events of your husband and father's murder during the trial. I have spent the last several years battling for justice in California against legislators who support bills that advocate for murderers over victims, for cop killers over cops and most recently, a ballot measure to abolish the death penalty in California. Although the ACLU and friends lost in November, they will be back and that is what is so frustrating...we are always having to fight for justice that juries and judges have given us. How can we ever have peace in our hearts when we constantly have to be vigilant?

Cody, you and my grandson have the same name in common. Our Cody was born 2 1/2 months after his daddy was killed. I will tell him about you.

You are all in my heart's embrace.

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

December 1, 2012

My love, its has taken me a couple of days to be able to do this...this year. The re-trial took a toll on ALL of us. The nightmares & bad dreams....it has just been more emotional.
I still miss you more than ever. I think often of the plans we had for when the kids were out on their own. Not that we were in a hurry for that, but we have always had such a great time together & we talked about having a bay house where all our children & grandchildren would come. I know you are terribly proud of both of our children & their accomplishments!! As for me...I guess I'm trying to figure out what my life will be...who I want to be when I grow up. There has never been a day that goes by without several thoughts of you. In some ways I think I miss you more every new milestone in adulthhood that I'm here for with Cody & Cally, but you are not. I love you!! I miss you!! I hope you pray for the children & I (especially me!). I'll see you in my dreams. Always your wife, Maura

Mrs. Maura Irby
Wife & mother

June 30, 2012

Twenty two years and it still hurts so much to reflect on the loss of your friendship, my big brother I never had until you married my big sister! It has sure been a tough 22 years for Maura and your fabulous kids but they have hung in there together! Your children have grown up to be the amazing, fabulous people that I am sure you dreamed they would be. You and Maura have so much to be proud of in them! Rest in Peace Brother!

Mandie Mills Hawkins
sister in law

June 28, 2012

Dad,
i have never written on this page before honestly beucase i didnt think I could say anything worth hearing. But today after everything in my day has made me think of you i thought i would.
I am a month in to EMT school and have finally seemed to find my path in life although I am not really sure where that is going to lead yet i am enjoying the ride.
I hope to make you proud and I love you and miss you always.

Cally Irby

June 27, 2012

22 years is a long time dad. We all miss you.

Patrol Officer Cody Irby
Pflugerville Police Department

June 27, 2012

It has been 22 years ago today. You are missed. Rest in peace.

A Friend

June 27, 2012

Rest in peace, Officer Irby. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

June 27, 2012

Dad,

Tomorrow is fathers day, and once again my thoughts have turned to you. I spent the past week in SWAT school and at the end of the school the instructor (A man who earned my respect and admiration this week) gave a speech saying the following:

"I have taught many students, and I have been unfortunate to read about some in the news. Some were for doing things they shouldn't, others for dying in the line of duty. Please don't let me read about you in the paper, but if I must read of you... Honor me. Honor your brothers sitting beside you. Honor those who have given the sacrifice already. Honor yourself and go out with guns a' blazzin! Go out fighting for your life with as many of the people trying to hurt you at your feet as you can. Go out with your head held high!"

This made me think of you because I know you did all of these things. We all miss you dad! Happy Fathers day! Keep watching over my brothers and sisters till we see you again.

Patrol Officer Cody Irby
Pflugerville Police Department

June 16, 2012

I was a young wife and mother in 1990. My husband and I were buying our 1st home. I was in the process of unpacking when I heard about this horrid event on the news.

I remember I knelt in prayer for officer Irby and his family feeling heartbroken that I had been in a joyous mood and his family would be suffering his loss.
For some reason I recently dreamed of this same home we sold in 1996 and my activities that day. I googled Officer Irby's name and found this memorial page.
What a lovely way to give tribute to these men and women who stand between the normal everyday person and evil.

I am forever grateful for these law enforcement officers and regularly keep them all in my prayers.

I am a nana now with 2 little grandsons. I've been able to live life and it is hurtful to think how Officer Irby was robbed of so much. So even though you may not realize it, I believe there are many citizens like myself who remember these precious souls.
Thoughts and prayers to his family.

bail o dhia ort

A grateful citizen

June 12, 2012

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