Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My hero my dad…today is sad, it is 54 years without you! I still don’t understand why and I feel so angry because your death was so senseless. I was thinking this morning of ALL the things you have missed out on…the list was so long and it stopped when I got to the most recent and that was that you would have become a great grandfather on July 10th to your 6th great grandbaby. I look at my baby grandson with such awe and I whispered to him yesterday that maybe he will be like his Papa Jim and do Karate! Your blood flows in him just like it does in all of your family…I wish you were here with me and John and mom. My heart aches and I wish you could have seen me and John grow up. My wishes are infinite…you are gone dad and you have been gone all but 6 months of my 54 years on Earth. I think about you every day and I miss you and my heart just aches and I don’t think anyone understands me. We talk about you all the time and you will NEVER be forgotten for your ultimate sacrifice!! God Bless you dad and I love you today and always!!!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

August 16, 2024

Ray was my scuba instructor in 1961 at Marne Corps Base Camp Pendleton. oved this guy. Taught me many life saving techniques. He was a tough instructor
but I passed and made many dives in California. I worked for awhile with Avis/Budget car rentals in Moline Il. At the desk one day there was a detective from Chicago renting a car. I asked him if he knew Ray. He did and told me about his death. I was hit very hard with that statement. You had a great father and I will always remember him. I'm 84 now and my name is Mike Driscoll.

Michael Driscoll
Friend

July 25, 2024

I was one Jim’s students in Hialeah fl. Before he moved to Chicago , I admired him . He use to say “ put your heart and soul into our movements.

I was also their when they had a tournament in his honor in Miami Beach and his wife and little kids were there.

lt retired from Miami dade
Student

July 8, 2024

Wishing my Dad a very Happy 84th Birthday in Heaven!! Dad I hope in some way you know how much we all love and miss you and especially mom…all the family will be here at my house today to celebrate her 84th birthday which is tomorrow. There is always happiness when we gather, but then an underlying sadness and a huge hole in our hearts for a missing piece, for the piece of all of us who should be here celebrating with us. If you were here today I know you would still be as handsome and strong at 84 as you were at 30!!! I love you and until we are all together again….God Bless

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

June 29, 2024

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God. You will not be forgotten Jim.

Ptlmn. James Murray (ret.)
Chicago PD

February 4, 2024

My sister Cindy and I lived with our parents at 533 W 129th Place, Chicago IL (60628). James ("Chico") visited our family once-in-awhile. I don't remember the connection; perhaps he was a friend of the Sundin family, next door. Memories are somewhat shadowy, as we were very young. I will say that he brought us joy; when Mom would say "Chico's coming!", it was tantamount to her saying, "Christmas is coming!" It seemed he walked south on Parnell, so maybe he lived nearby. Love you Chico!
Cindy and Steve Labriola

Steve & Vicki Labriola
Retired

January 23, 2024

Always on my mind and in my heart…you will NEVER be forgotten, nor the ultimate sacrifice you made. Dad I love you and I think about all the things that have happened in all of our lives in the 53 years you have been gone. Moments you should have been a part of. I wish I could hear your voice, feel your touch or just look at your handsome face…but one day Dad and until then….May God continue to watch over, keep safe and Bless the brave men and women in Blue!!! I love you Dad and I remember you not only today, but every day!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

August 16, 2023

Happy heavenly 83rd birthday to the man I have missed my whole life….I love you Dad and I’m thinking of you today!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

June 29, 2023

My name is Wilbert Reid and was the first Black student at the Dojo in Healeah Florida. I am now 72 years old. Retired 82 Airborn I learn from Pete ( who was a mail man and the rest of the crew. Jim Alphono was a very special man that I think of often.

Master Sargent
Army

April 28, 2023

To my Dad, my heart and my Hero....thinking of you on this day that seems to come up more and more quickly each year. Today is 52 years since that senseless and tragic day, the day that a coward took your life. Dave just called me from work and I started crying when he told me how sorry he was about my dad....I wish you could have known your son-in-law and your grandchildren. I wish I could have known you and not just for the 6 months we were given. I have so many wishes. I could go on and on. Dad you will never be forgotten and you will always be remembered as a true hero, a man who gave his life doing the job he loved. I love you now and forever and I miss you every day of my life. May God Bless, watch over and protect all the heroes in Blue and please bring them home safely to the ones they love!!!! I thank them from the bottom of my heart for the job they do!!!!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

August 16, 2022

I worked with Jim in CPD’s 005th District back in the late 1960’s. He has been in my mind and in my prayers from that fateful day those cowards took his life. I’ve had survivors guilt since that day. Jim and I both interviewed for the slot in the Gang Investigations Unit. Jim got the job because he was a much better Police Officer than I. He was one hell of a good copper. I read the reflections offered by his daughter and tears well in my eyes. I think of my own daughters and I wonder what the world would be without these 2 fabulous people. For some unknown reason God chose Jim not me. I’ll never know why but I thank the Good Lord every day for my good fortune. I hope to meet Jim some day in the great hereafter to thank him for his sacrifice. His heroism has allowed me 78 years of life. I don’t have enough words of gratitude to honor this man. I wish his family all the best as they continue to miss and honor their hero. May God Bless him and his family. Although I was not a Marine I will offer Jim a “Semper Fi” because of my ever faithful remembrance of his service to God and Country. Faithfully and Fraternally Retired Police Officer Tony Caruso CPD 1967-2001

PO Tony CARUSO (Retired)
Chicago Police Department

August 10, 2022

To my dear sweet Dad…today I am wishing you a Happy 82nd Birthday in Heaven! Of course, once again I’m trying to type this through tears as I am thinking of you and also just having read the beautiful reflection left by one of your fellow brothers Tony Caruso….Dad my heart just aches…and my tears just flow…you touched so many lives and you are never forgotten!!!! I love you Dad and I will visit you today at the cemetery where I will spread out my blanket and sit there and talk to you and pray quietly. In a perfect world..I would be pulling up to your house to visit you with my arms full of gifts to celebrate your special day and I would be able to hug you so tightly Dad and tell you to your face how much I love you…May God Bless you and watch over all the men and women in blue…they are all true heroes just like you!!!! I love you now and forever!!!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

June 29, 2022

I worked with Jim in CPD’s 005th District back in the late 1960’s. He has been in my mind and in my prayers from that fateful day those cowards took his life. I’ve had survivors guilt since that day. Jim and I both interviewed for the slot in the Gang Investigations Unit. Jim got the job because he was a much better Police Officer than I. He was one hell of a good copper. I read the reflections offered by his daughter and tears well in my eyes. I think of my own daughters and I wonder what the world would be without these 2 fabulous people. For some unknown reason God chose Jim not me. I’ll never know why but I thank the Good Lord every day for my good fortune. I hope to meet Jim some day in the great hereafter to thank him for his sacrifice. His heroism has allowed me 78 years of life. I don’t have enough words of gratitude to honor this man. I wish his family all the best as they continue to miss and honor their hero. May God Bless him and his family. Although I was not a Marine I will offer Jim a “Semper Fi” because of my ever faithful remembrance of his service to God and Country. Faithfully and Fraternally Retired Police Officer Tony Caruso CPD 1967-2001

Police Officer Tony Caruso
Chicago Police Department

May 29, 2022

It is always a sad day when we lose a police officer,but these brave men face a enemy that without them would rule the world as we know it! Thank God for providing us with good police officers!

Commander
Cook County Investigation

December 2, 2021

Dera Ms. Alfano,

Your father will always be honored by the Chicago Police Department and all the officers present and past. I never knew your father, but others I worked with did. I am a retired Detective and worked in a very small way to destroy the Black P. Stones (AKA El Rukn) gang and give your family justice many years after his death. I was part of the investigation and raid that arrested arrested Jeff Fort and put him away for life. I hope this small note lets you know that your father was on our minds and in our hearts during this time. Your father's sacrifice and your family will never be forgotten by those of us who served. God bless your father and your family.

John Holden, Detective
Chicago Police Department

August 24, 2021

Dad today is a sad day for our family, it marks 51 years that we have been without you. You made the ultimate sacrifice and our family was never the same. My heart breaks for every family member that has gone through the tragedy of losing their loved one because of the senseless decisions and actions of a person who has absolutely no regard for human life or the pain and heartache they will FOREVER cause these families. I have missed you my entire 51 years on this Earth and I think about you every day. I love you and You will always be my Hero Dad as well as EVERY police officer! God Bless these men and women in Blue!! We will Never Forget and you will live on in our hearts until one day when we meet again....

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

August 16, 2021

Wishing you a Happy 81st Birthday in Heaven Dad!! Woke up this morning and you were the very first thought I had, although you are never very far in my thoughts and you are ALWAYS in my heart!!! Loving you always and missing you always....

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

June 29, 2021

I believe this is the same person that taught me scuba diving at Camp Pendleton in 1961. I've never forgotten his name. He was a very tough instructor but could also make you laugh hysterrically. I'll always honor Ray with the utmost respect.

Mike Driscoll Cpl E-4 USMC 1958-1961

Michael Earl Driscoll
Taught me scuba diving

September 4, 2020

First, regarding your beloved daughter Jacqueline and her reflection, wow! What an absolute beautiful and heartfelt reflection. Jacqueline, please know that your dads heroic and selfless actions will always be remembered and he will always be a hero unlike the coward who took his life.
Officer Alfano, on this 50th anniversary of your heroic and untimely departure I would just like to say rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. God Bless you, your daughter Jacqueline and of course your entire family.

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

August 16, 2020

To my Dear Dad in Heaven,
Today August 16, 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of your senseless death...it is a sad day for our entire family and for anyone that knew you! You were a wonderful man, a husband to Judy, a father to John and myself, a son to my Non and Papa, a brother to my Aunt Grace, an uncle to my cousins Brad, Kirk and Kristen, a nephew to many, a cousin to many, a friend to all that met you!
You were a strong Marine proudly serving your Country and an even stronger, more brave man to take on the job, put on the uniform and become a Chicago Police Officer/Detective working in gang intelligence. Mom always tells us how you wanted to change things and make them better and I tell her how sad you would be if you were here today to see how things are....Dad even at 80 I know you would still be hopeful and fighting for the right thing!! I can't even begin to describe how very sad I am today that God only gave you to me for 6 short months....I want to know you, I want to hug you, I want you to call me or text me and tell me you love me, I want to save a message you left me on my answering machine, I want you to know your grandchildren and your son-in-law...how selfish that I could want all of these things that can NEVER be and what's more selfish is the coward that took your life and left us ALL heartbroken for life!!!!!! Did he ever spend 1 second thinking of the pain he has caused? I think we know the answer to that.....There was a newspaper article after you died and you were quoted saying "I cry inside every time I leave the house. I think of my wife and two kids and I cry because I don't know if they'll be alive and healthy when I return." That statement sums of what kind of a selfless man you truly were...you were more worried about us being safe, never thinking of yourself and the danger you were put in on a daily basis! Dad I am proud of the man you were and how brave you were on that day and how you fought for 3 days to stay alive!!!! I am proud of EVERY single man and woman that go out, put on the uniform and do this job and I thank them from the bottom of my heart!!!! I love you Dad, I miss you and YOU will never ever be forgotten, I promise you that!!!!! With all my love....Jackie

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

August 16, 2020

Patrolman Alfano,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 16, 2020

Happy 80th Birthday in Heaven to my Dad!!! We will celebrate Mom's 80th tomorrow.....I know that if you were here John and I along with Dave, Natalie and the whole family (including your 7 wonderful grandchildren Brittany, John, Alyssa, Courtney, Brianna, Jake & Zack and 2 precious great grandchildren Brody & Kennedy) would have thrown the biggest most wonderful party for the two of you to celebrate such a momentous occasion!!! I type this with tears running down my face and with a sad heart. I can't pick up the phone to wish you a Happy Birthday, but in my heart I know that you heard me when I looked up to the Heavens this morning and wished you a Happy 80th Birthday Dad!!!!! Missing you, thinking of you and loving you forever....

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

June 29, 2020

Cousin Butch you have been and always will be my Hero.
Only the good die young and you are so good James!
Your brave heroism has really made a point in many lifes including my own.

Frank s Ponio Jr.
2nd Cousin/Hero

June 21, 2020

Well Papa Jim, it’s been 49 years, August 16th, since you’ve been an angel. And 22 years since you’ve been mine. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my life as a Marine or Woman without you looking down. Everyday I’m just trying to make you proud. Only a couple more months until I’m off to become a Drill Instructor, and my time there is to make Marines with our family name, the legacy YOU started. I think of you almost everyday&just wanted to say I wish you were here to share my life with. I love you.

SGT Alyssa Alfano
USMC

August 19, 2019

Happy 79th Birthday to you dad in Heaven!!!! I love you forever!!! Wish you were here always!!!

Jacqueline Alfano Stone
Daughter

June 29, 2019