Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jim, I’ll always remember that night back in ‘84 when you and Glynn were assigned to HWD SOS. I wasn’t too happy to give up my regular partner in order to show you around. Less than an hour into that shift, there was no turning back. Partners! For the balance of the time we had together, we constantly put Butch and Freddy (Better known as the B Team) to shame in our competition for guns and felonies. But then again, Butch was practically working an L car. When we went our separate ways, the ignorance of youth allowed me to believe that we would always connect back up again in the future…

The unknown number of children named in your honor represent the vast untold stories of the parents who were fortunate enough to experience your friendship. Luckily for our two daughters, Julie had the foresight to spare them the awkward explanations.

While your absence has left a large void in those of us fortunate enough to call you friend or partner, we have filled that void with observations and lessons learned, inspired by who you are and how you conduct yourself. In life, you motivated your colleagues to be true to the integrity and discipline of being a Los Angeles Policeman. Thirty five years later, the inspiration lives on. I’ll see you later my brother.

Mark 22743
L.A.P.D (Former)

June 22, 2022

I work in what is now the Mission Division of the LAPD and I find myself frequently at the location where you heroically gave your life. Today a sign marks the spot. Recently the Mission Area Gang Unit was conducting an operation just below that sign. I pointed up at it and told your story. They stood silently and looked around taking in the scene, most, if not all of them were not even born when you were taken from us. However, I do know that every single one of them would have responded to your help call, risking their life to save yours. Like your brother LAPD Officers did that fateful day. It's what we've done for over 150 years and is what we do today. Officers of the LAPD are a brotherhood of heroes who risk their life every single day. Alway have and always will. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. We remember and honor you always.

Sergeant David A. Gomez
Los Angeles Police Department, Mission Area Gang Unit

September 19, 2021

Officer Pagliotti,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles. And to your Family and loved ones. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 22, 2020

Thank you for your service and always know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 22, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Pagliotti.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2019

I knew James when he was a reserve sergeant at the Fresno county sheriffs department back in 1981, he would call me to work for him. He always looked out for us, then he later left us to go to Lapd. It is no surprise he died or should I say gave his life so someone else could live. It was the way James was, I believe he was part of the elite metro division at the time of his death. Rip my brother, you are remembered. Jackson.

Retired deputy jackson
Fresno county sheriffs department

June 7, 2016

God Bless

Trooper Jaynes
Arizona State Troopers

April 9, 2016

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

June 22, 2015

Back in 1989, our Tactics instructor reviewed the incident that ended your life. There was no second guessing or "Monday morning quarterbacking", just admiration for your bravery and unselfishness. You are the example of a street cop that many of us strive to be. You stepped into the breach and showed us what a true hero does. Rest In Peace brother. KMA-367

Sergeant R. Alvarez
Los Angeles Police Department

April 8, 2015

Jim - It seems like yesterday that we were partners working as 6-Queen-22 on Hollywood Blvd. We were partners for about 8 months or so. We shared many of beers aftewards at Dells, as well as our old famous spot on Las Palmas, just south of Hollywood Blvd - remermber ol "eddie" who always greated us with a smile. Just like the old saying goes, gone but not forgotten.

I Think of your ofter when passing thru HWD..

Kevin Coffey
LAPD

D-III
LAPD

October 1, 2013

You will forever be a hero. RIP brother. I is a shame that your family has to endure parole hearings every five years. Parole should not even be an issue for a killer.

Sergeant
Mashpee, MA Police Department

June 22, 2013

Paying my respects, God bless.

Officer J. Jaynes
Arizona Highway Patrol

January 17, 2013

I feel horrible that June 22, 2012 has come and gone and I was so wrapped up in my own daily struggles, I did not make it back to this site on the 25th anniversary of that fateful night. With each anniversary, as well as every day, your untimely death never becomes any easier to understand; and it never will.

In an earlier reflection, I read how one of your training officers was struggling with thinking that he could have done more to prepare you for the night of June 22, 1987. I hope that he can take solace in the fact that you did more than any man could ever do in the situation that was presented. He should harbor no guilt; you are a well trained saint who laid down your own life to save the life of another. There is a special place in heaven for officers like you. I just hope that when my time is up on earth, I will have the honor to see you again in heaven.

I miss you Jim,

Chris


Christopher T. Clarkson
former LAPD Police Officer III
77th and Southwest Divisions
Operations South Bureau CRASH

Former Police Officer, Chris Clarkson
LAPD; friend and partner of Jim

August 17, 2012

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

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

Jim,

I still think of you. I will always think of you. I was stunned when I learned that you died, but not how you died. Fighting … like a man. That is how I remember you, a man. A very young man, but a man. We were both very young when I knew you. I would have liked to have known you better but our lives took us in different directions. We were very young reserve deputies but you had a maturity, a sense of duty and especially a presence about you. That “presence” was uncommon for most of us in the CSUF Crim 108 Reserve Unit. We were just college kids looking to start our careers, young and brash. But not you. You were thoughtful, reflective, incisive. You were also fun to be around and I remember many great parties. I remember you taking me home one time after too much fun. You took my keys away and kept me safe. Always looking out for your partners. I will never forget how kind you were. You were a role model to those around you. I am proud that I knew you, if only for a few years. Almost 30 years has passed since I last saw you, and I still think of you. I will always think of you.

Neil

Lieutenant Neil Dadian
Fresno County Sheriff's Office

July 7, 2010

Officer Pagliotti - I barely knew you, but I do know people who knew you better. Your loss was a terrible blow to those cops who knew you best. The day of your funeral, I hope you don't mind, but I chose to work the street. That allowed someone else to attend and made sure the streets were covered - I thought what better way to honor you? Doing what you loved, being on "the street". Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 16, 2010

Officer Pagliotti you and your actions honors the profession I love. Rest in peace.

Lieutenant
Del Rio Police Department (Texas)

April 6, 2010

Jim,
hard to say anything more than all the others have already mentioned. I truly enjoyed working with you, training you while in 77th and just sharing your company. I was working SW Morning watch when one of the old 77th Sgts (Hulshof) caught me before roll call to let me know what had happened that night. Hearing those words, it felt as if all the air in the world had vanished. I admit to feeling guilt to this very day about how you died. It will always haunt me that there was something I didn't tell you, something I left out of the tactical talks we had about what to do that might have made a difference that night. Since your funeral and Martin's eulogy I have mixed emotions when I hear The Boss sing "Born To Run."
Rest In Peace Jim and I hope we meet again when I leave this place.

Police Officer III LM

December 30, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd 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.

In reading the loving reflections, I see that you are missed and loved by many and that you had a profound impact on the lives of others. I hold your family and friends in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

June 22, 2009

It is hard to believe that twenty years have come and gone. I remember this bright and shiny young officer who was assigned to Hollywood Vice coming to me and telling me that he was going to Metropolitan Division. I had a moment of fun with him because I understood his sense of humor and the anticipation that he felt being selected for such a premier spot. I asked him if he had considered what he would tell future oral boards about why he left his vice assignment early. He asked, with a great deal of concern and consternation, if I really thought that would be an issue. I told him that I was just pulling his chain and I Metro was one of the best jobs that I had ever had on LAPD. I wished him luck and all the best. I later received a call about him being down. Even though I was not his C/O at the time, the caller knew that I would want to respond. This was difficult for everyone that knew him and loved him.

Bob Taylor
Former C/O Hwd

December 31, 2007

We have yet to meet, but I feel as though I know you. In June 2007- Mike and I attended the 20 year memorial held in your honor. I was proud to attend and in awe to watch your peers honor your memory. LAPD did a beautiful job of recognizing your contribution and their dedication to your parents was nothing short of perfect.
I've been to the Memorial in Washington DC and felt helpless as the man I love- paid tribute to the man you are. Your photo hangs in Mike's office, his son has your name. The shell casings from you rifle salute, sit in a place of honor on his shelf.
I didnt know Mike Reed before 06-22-87, but I have no doubt that he is not the same as he was when you were here.
The simply fact that you mean so much to so many tells me all I could ever ask. Know that you are missed by Reedy more than he will admit-watch over him, until you see one another again.
775

Keli Reed
Police Officer-Bakersfield PD

November 12, 2007

"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

September 17, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

August 20, 2007

So, after conducting Roll Call training, I had a conversation with an "OG." Your name came up. He does not know about this website or the fact that Your murder was one of the first that I was assigned to investigate for the State of California, regarding future tactics training. I have known him for at least fifteen years. He is a Vietnam Army veteran, 30 year LAPD copper, and I have never known his voice crack regarding anything. That is, until today, when he mentioned You.

I am sending him this website today.

Nope - I am handing it to him now (he just walked in), as I am typing this. Ironically, he just informed me that his daughter's birthday is June 22.

I have ever met anyone who has ever said anything but great things about You. May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

July 24, 2007

Dear Jim,

I cannot believe that it has been twenty years. I think of you in my daily prayers. See you in heaven...Chris

Previous Police Officer III
LAPD, Jim's friend and partner

June 22, 2007