Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just passed the James Owens Memorial on Rutledge Ave. near downtown Charleston. I am a retired D/S and Chief. I just want to say RIP brother.

D/S Dennis Piskarcik
Youngstown Ohio

November 18, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and heroic sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

To your granddaughter Tyreka, God Bless you and your family and please know your grandfather is and always will be a hero and always remembered by his law enforcement family.

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

December 12, 2020

I am the granddaughter of Patrolman James Owens Jr. I am currently working on a family tree and attempting to piece together my family history. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet my grandfather, but I've heard from those that spoke at the Charleston Memorial Service that he was a good man and officer. If you have an information or stories to share reach out to me at [email protected]

Tyreka Owens

August 18, 2019

Thank you for your service sir GOD BLESS.

Mrs.C Singleton /Concern Citizen

February 24, 2019

Patrolman Owens,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Charleston County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 11, 2018

I remember the incident well. I was one of the first clinical pharmacists hired at MCSC
(now MUSC). The offender was brought into the hospital, and I was called to evaluate him
for a possible adverse drug reaction and recommend treatment. When I heard the description of his offense, I was shocked. Three months later in September I got into an altercation with yet another officer and landed up in the then-called Sea Breeze Hotel. I found myself a cellmate for a few hours on a Saturday with the offender. He was most objectionable . Over the next few years articles appeared in the paper about his being on death row. It has probably been 40 or more years since I even thought about him. I think it fitting that he passed on in prison and had ample time to contemplate his offense.

J. Leo Brueggeman, Pharm. D.
Clinical consultant - MUSC

May 11, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 50th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 11, 2018

My condolences to the family. Thanyou for your sevice.

Master Deputy Gerard DeCocker
Charleston County Sheriffs Office

May 7, 2018

My condolences to the family. Hopefully his family found peace i their lives.

First Sergeant Tom Webb, Retired
New York State Police

December 14, 2017

What happened was these two, woman and her boyfriend, were in an accident in an area called Rantols, which is off of Hwy. 17 South. Jim was responding to a vehicle accident with minor injuries. He had taken them to the hospital, and had no reason to search them before they got in the back seat! At that time we didn't have EMS. We had 5 stationwagon patrol cars assigned to different sections of the county, that double as patrol cars and ambulances. The man became disorderly at the hospital, and Jim searched him before he put him back in the cruiser to take him to jail! What happened was the man had the gun on him when Jim was giving them a ride from the accident scene to the hospital. The man had hidden the pistol in the back seat on the long ride to the hospital. On the way to the jail the man recovered the gun from his hiding spot and shot Jim in the back of the head while he was driving!

Gene Phillips, Patrolman
Charleston County Police Dept. November 1967-February 1970

August 31, 2015

To Cheryl Owens-Hargrove....I had the total pleasure of working with your Uncle!!! I had finished my shift and had talked to Jim earlier about riding with him for a while on his shift. It was Saturday night, and I was only 21 and single...and last minute girl call I told Jim I had a date and would ride with him another night. I have wished many times that I had ridden with Jim that night!! He most likely would still be with us today! Jim was so respected by all of us, his fellow patrolmen! The tears still flow today as they did the night Jim was killed! I also had the pleasure of serving with Jim's brother Nathaniel, and we had a great bond in memory of Jim! Your Uncle was an extraordinary man!!! As a young officer, I looked up to Jim and always listened to his council!

Gene Phillips, Patrolman
Charleston County Police Dept. November 1967-February 1970

August 31, 2015

Jim was one of my very best friends! He was highly respected and loved by his fellow brothers of The Charleston County Police Department! Today I still have sad, tearful memories of a great friend and fellow Officer! I was in our early 20's and often if we didn't have any plans, would ride for a while on each others shifts. I had just gotten off my shift, and had planned to ride with Jim that night on his shift. I had talked with a female friend who wanted to go out for a while and I told Jim I'd ride with him another night. Then came this devastating news!! The last words Jim said, as he lay on the stretcher in the emergency room, to his road sgt., was "I searched him Sarge...I searched him! REMEMBERING ONE OF MY BEST BUDDIES AND ONE OF THE BEST EVER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, Officer JIM OWENS!!! The minutes word went out that Jim had been shot, every law enforcement agency went to work and immediately sealed off the city of Charleston and within hours had captured Jim's killer!!! And he had to go to the emergency room for a while before he was jailed!!!!

Gene Phillips, Patroleman
Charleston County Police Dept. 1967-Feb. 1970.

August 31, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 11, 2015

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 15, 2014

I am the grandson of Officer Owens.. My mother is Sharon Owens. and my name is Henry Long, who is now a police officer.

Henry Long
Naval Base Coronado Police

July 29, 2012

I just recently lost my Dad, who was a long time police officer. I had the honor and privilage of caring for him. He worked with Officer James Owens when he was killed in the line of duty. Before he passed he mentioned something to me about him that I would very much like to share with Officer Owens children and widow. I think that it would bless them. I do not know how to contact them. Anyone that could help it would be most appreciated.

Leah A. Whatley
(Mickey Whatley)

Leah a. Whatley

July 22, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th anniversary 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. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

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

May 11, 2012

To one of the most vibrant, intelligent, caring, kind yet very stern uncles ever. Our chain has been broken with the loss of our "Uncle Bubba" as we affecttionately called him. He left us way too soon. We will forever cherish spending sooo many of our childhood moments with you. To us, you were like a trophy on a mantel: admired, shiney, bright, stood tall, and very steadfast in all of your ways. We all love you, and you will NEVER be forgotten. God blessed us with a great legacy, your life. The Earthalie & Freddie Whaley, Sr. Children: Rommie, Chita, Rusty, Von, Vet, Dwayne, Dana, Derrick, and Courtney.

The Whaleys/ Retired
Family Members

October 14, 2011

Husband, father, brother, son...Officer of the law and Beloved to all.
Taken far too soon, but a living legacy in the hearts of all that know and love you. May GOD keep you in your eternal slumber until we are all together again.

With all my love.
Your Niece,
Cheryl Owens-Hargrove

Cheryl Owens-Hargrove
Niece

May 23, 2010

"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.

July 9, 2007

It has been thirty-eight years since the end of your watch. Thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 11, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER IN BLUE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.