Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember him well, even though I was a fairly new officer with RPD.
Keep the good memories family and the RPD family.

Sgt. Hoggard/RPD/Ret

C D Hoggard Sgt/Ret
RPD

February 2, 2024

Delma Devon Adams. Known as Jimmy by his friends, was the finest person to ever walk this earth? I went to school with him and double dated with him. Jimmy and his at that time girlfriend, Sandra, introduced me to the girl that wound up being my wife. I think the following short occurrence that I'm going to talk about will indicate the type of person Jimmy was in life. Jimmy's church was cutting firewood on a Saturday to give to the needy people. Jimmy had to work and was not able to participate in that. The following Monday, Jimmy took his truck and chainsaw and went and cut wood and piled it on the pile that the church people had cut. Jimmy's wife and I may be the only ones that are aware of that. Jimmy was the kind of guy he did not do things for praise. He did things because he thought they were right. That night, I lost the best friend I ever had. I do not believe there's a week that goes by without me thinking about him. I just found this page today, and I had to say something about the great friend that I did have.

Corbett
Best Friend for life

January 24, 2023

Today is Father' s Day, 2021. Your children are now older than you were when you were taken from us. They are fathers -- and you are most assuredly so very proud of them! You are a Grandfather and a Great Grandfather. Life has marched forward and your family has continued to honor you, your life, and your sacrifice. Hopefully, you are aware of the impact you made to the lives of so many. No - you will never be forgotten for generations to come.

Cassie Scott Johnson is again being considered for parole this year, ironically in August very near your birthday (the 21st). Phillip, Marc and I continue to make the Parole Board aware of our feelings regarding the possibility of her parole. It may have been 41 years but, in my estimation, her release would indicate her completion of the consequences for her actions -- and for us, there could never be a completion date for that action.

As tears continue to flow for our loss, we are comforted in the fact that you knew how much you were loved while on earth and thank you for loving us. We trust that you are rollicking with your parents and your brothers.

Never does a day go by . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your wife, Sandra

June 21, 2021

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

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 3, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Adams.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 2, 2019

Proudly mailed my NO PAROLE letter today. To the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Adams: I am sorry that you have to keep re-living your pain. A life sentence should be just that! Officer Adams, Thank You for your service and sacrifice! You are not forgotten.

Allie
Proud to Support All L.E.O.’s
Married to a Corrections Deputy

June 18, 2018

My name is Lt. Kevin Ray and I work with the High Point, NC Police Department (22yrs). My father was Greg Ray and worked on your squad. I suspect my father suffered from survivors guilt pretty bad. I don't know for sure because I've only heard him talk about it once or twice but I know he carries a burden because he was out sick that night........and he never called in sick unless it was to take care of his wife or kids. He's carried that guilt for a while. I thank you Officer Adams for your sacrifice and I thank my father and the rest of RPD for continuing to fight the fight the way it should be fought.

Lt. Kevin Ray
High Point PD NC

October 17, 2017

My daddy worked with you a we talk about you and your family often. He still remembers being out that night because I was sick, and he stayed home to take care of me. Your son and my brother and I are the same age and my brother followed in yours and daddy footsteps. He is great at his job because of what daddy has taught him and because his remembers. RPD will never forget and neither will the families of those who served with you or after

Kim Ray
Daughter of GM Ray

February 7, 2017

It has been about 36 years. I don't know who if anyone sees things like this. I hope the family of Jimmy Adams does. I did not know the man but other commenters make me believe he was a fine, Christian father and husband. I met him after he was shot. It was my crew from Garner Rescue that was the first EMS on the scene. A Raleigh EMS unit arrived later as we were rapidly preparing for transport to Wake Med. I don't recall the man's name, he was a big, black EMT that worked for EMS, a super nice and smart fellow that I respected greatly from other encounters. He joined us as we transported Adams in the Garner ambulance. I often wonder if I looked as helpless, sad, and concerned as he did as we rode in the back together. There was not a lot we could do, not even talk. I remember seeing our red lights reflecting off cars and buildings as we probably drove way too fast. At the hospital we were met by numerous medical people. It was a whirl flying by. I remember the doctor coming in and needing but a few seconds to state that Adams would not make it. There was way too much brain damage. I still feel my own heartbreak for a person I never spoke to, laying on a bed, still in a uniform of service for others, but with no hope in anything of this world. He died in his uniform which seemed so symbolic and sad. I'm glad to know he had a greater hope that has surely done him well.

I am hopeful his offspring have done well in the life he helped provide them.

The only time I ever saw Cassie Johnson was handcuffed, facedown on the asphalt. I recall having the desire to spit on her and even kick her. That would have been wrong but there was a strong urge to do it. The only dark humor of the whole event was me strangely, to myself, wondering what people would think if I kicked a girl!

Jimmy DD Adams stolen life is one of 3 horrors I hold in memory of my rescue service. I'm glad I could serve but I'm so sad even today that such evil occurred for no valid reason.

I now need to wipe away a lot of tears and bury some of these and other memories with Jimmy. Again, I hope the best for all members of the family and the people on the "sidelines" like other officers and friends.

Jim Lee
former Garner Rescue EMT

November 21, 2016

Officer Adams. We remember you and your sacrifice today. your tragic death has not been forgotten by your department, city and country. Thank you for your service.

Detective R.J.Pike
Raleigh Police Department

February 3, 2015

Working on our family tree today (getting ready for the Adams reunion) and put in your name. Got you on my mind and googled you, ran across this wonderful website. I still love and miss you after all these years. Every Christmas, I think about the time I went to the big city and stayed with you and Sandra and baby Phillip. Needless to say, he and Marc have turned into 2 wonderful men just like you. You would be so proud of them and your beautiful grandchildren.
I am so thankful for all the memories I have growing up in our family. I guess you've seen your brothers that have left us and hope you all are having a wonderful time on those streets of gold.
I will always love you, Jenny

Jenny Johnson daughter of DD's sister
Niece

January 3, 2015

I met Jimmy, as many of his friends called him, at church. My wife and I met them on our first visit. They invited us to have Sunday dinner with them that day. We established an immediate friendship with him and Saundra. We spent many hours together. They impressed us as being very loving and caring. I have thought about him so much since his passing and how he influenced us as a Christian family man. I miss him even after41 years.

Gene Dudney
friend

June 5, 2014

A life taken far too soon than should ever be. You were truly one of a kind. One of the kindest, gentle, trusting person ever. I had the Honor and Pleasure of recently meeting you son and his 3 sons at the Adams reunion. They are surely Proud of you as we all are!
This woman should never see the freedom of life ever again for her evil deed!
You are truly Loved and Missed!

Gwen Adams Starling
1st Cousin- our fathers were brothers

November 10, 2013

I miss you friend. I will never forget the night you were murdered. It had such an impact on so many lives. You were a great training officer and you will always be remembered.

Senior Officer Wm.A. Phillips
Raleigh Police (Retired)

March 21, 2013

Officer Adams,
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 Raleigh. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 3, 2013

Grandpa Jimmy,

On this 32nd anniversary, I am thinking about you as always. Although, we haven’t met on this Earth, I know you’re always watching over me, and I hope to meet you one day. I have had a lot of guidance from you and from the knowledge that you have passed on to my father. I feel honored to share your name, and I hope I’m making you proud. You will always be remembered, and dearly missed by your fellow service men and women, your friends, and of course your family.

Rest in Peace Grandpa.

Devon Adams
Granddaughter

February 3, 2012

Never forgotten.

My heart goes out to those who's lives you've missed out on all of the years since you left them. You are remembered.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 3, 2011

On this 30 year anniversary of Officer Adams murder, May God Grant his Family, Fellow Officers, and Friends, the Serenity to accept the things they can not change, the courage to change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference...Warrior, Rest in Peace, you will not be forgotten....God bless your Family.

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police, Lewisburg, Pa.

February 3, 2010

I just met Cassie at a churcn in Blackmountain, NC
I can not believe she is able to go out into the community. People are not aware of her crime or that she is a prison - serving a life sentence. She is a very mean woman. I pray she is never released. My son was a sheriffs deputy and my son in law is a current sheriffs deputy. My heart still after all this time - goes out to the family.

ginger lee

August 7, 2009

I want to say thank you for all the comments that have been left on this page. Our family has had a void that could not be filled since that night in February 1980. My cousins grew up without their father and have suffered greatly over the years.

However, it does feel good that his ultimate sacrifice has been remembered both with this page and with the recent "Run for our Heroes" 5K on April 25th in Raleigh. What an honor to run for my Uncle Jimmy! Much thanks to the Raleigh PD for putting the first class race together and remembering all 8 fallen RPD officers. You are all appreciated for not forgetting our loved one.

Thanks again to everyone for your posts and your prayers - please remember that when you see a police officer to say thank you!!!

Veronica King Aycock
Niece of Officer DD Adams

April 29, 2009

I just found this site and I had to leave condolences for the family of Officer Adams. I read above, where "passer by" mentioned working for a place where Cassie Johnson was employed. I worked with her as well, and was not aware that she was even an inmate. Once I realized, through word of mouth, 10 months after I began working there, I was outraged. Being a victim myself, I could NOT believe a substance abuse treatment center would hire such people. Especially since she was STILL incarcerated, in a half way house less than a mile from our workplace. I was devistated and spoke my mind about it and was fired for it. I was fired for not protecting HER anonymity. Being a victim of sexual abuse, you can imagine the horror I felt knowing that possibly my abuser would end up in a cubicle next to me one day. What has this world come to that a convicted murderer STILL incarcerated can come into contact with strangers in a workplace that are not warned of their violations. Strangers who may have known Delma, strangers who have been victimized. I ate lunch with her, had smoke breaks and long talks with her, etc and had NO CLUE of the terror she inflicted on an innocent man and his family. Now, 8 years later and I am still appalled. I did see recently she was transferred again for yet ANOTHER infraction, so I doubt she still works in the substance abuse field. Thank you Jesus! To the family of Officer Adams, I am so sorry for your loss. I am especially sorry that I interacted with DD's killer, I had no clue. Please forgive me. If I can help in ANY way to protect your familial rights, please contact me. I will do anything to help you. I feel down right dirty for being close to a woman who could do such a thing to your father. If only they had told their employees, I would have NEVER worked there. You have my email address. My condolences to your family for such a loss of a great, true hero. God Bless you and keep you in the palm of his hands.

Anonymous

March 10, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you to your service to my native state and also the birthplace of my beloved son Larry who was born in Durham, NC and fatally shot on duty with the Pittsburg, CA PD on April 23, 2005.

Your murderer does not deserve parole.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

February 4, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones who were left behind to live every day without you. Evidently, denying someone parole who works outside the prison at a normal job is not justice. She destroyed so many hopes and dreams and I only wish that those that feel sorry for her realize the damage she did to so many people who love you. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 3, 2009

I worked at a place, back in late 90's, with the lady who did this to you. I never understood how she was still technically incarcerated yet she worked a 9-5 job like everyone else. I couldn't question it though, they fired people i worked with just for talking about her arrest in 1980. That was the way this place of employment was though. Hired inmates and never told other employees who might have been offended by working one on one with someone who murdered. I think it is horrible!!Luckily I didnt stay there long after meeting her and realizing what a sick place this was. Anyways, My reason for finding this website is that I still think of you often. I just want to extend my prayers to your family, especially your son, who I know will never be the same due to his loss. Although I never met you, I think about you often and will always stand up for justice when I can, no matter the cost. although "justice" is not what it should be in our nation, I will always stand up for those who have lost loved ones. Your family, department, and friends remain in my heart and prayers. Peace be with you always.

passer by

February 27, 2008

DD - I started the RPD Academy the day after you were taken from us. There was a noticeable pall over all the department, that we, as rookies did not understand. I came to understand after graduation being assigned to your platoon, 'C' platoon. I rode your beat in South Raleigh and even drove your assigned blue and white a several times. A strange feeling. What you went through has been passed on to generations of young officers and has caused many to be more careful because of it. You have saved many lives through losing your own. I am soon to finish my career and feel in some way that we were connected. You caused me to think twice, even three times when searching. You are not forgotten.

Cpl. L.C. Howard
Raleigh PD

February 6, 2008