Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Riley,
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 U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 20, 2023

I am Uncle Jim’s great niece Tara. My mom his niece Margie was pregnant with me at the time of his death. I have heard nothing but great things about him And wish I could have met him. His sister, my grandma passed last year so I know they are together in heaven now and that makes me happy. Thank you for your service uncle Jim

Tara Dossett Carrico Riley Burgess

February 27, 2022

You were very brave, you tried to save Dianne. Bless your soul

Susan Rzegocki

September 4, 2021

Sorry I never got to meet you grandpa I'm name after you

James Eric riley
family

May 27, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered,

I pray for the solace of 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.
Rest In Peace.

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

April 20, 2012

"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

November 26, 2007

Officer Riley was my father.
As i was only 2 at the time of his death I only have the memory of him left. Its enought to know he was a great man.

with love

James David Riley

James David riley
Son

October 5, 2007

I was stationed with Jim in Germany with the 6915th SECURITY POLICE and Jim was the BEST MAN at my wedding in Germany, as young as we were then he was STILL ONE of the BEST PEOPLE I EVER MET and I am sure that carried over to his time on the Royal Oak P.D. as well. I had been looking for him for about 10 years and it is with GREAT SADNESS that I finally get to SAY GOODBYE !!! OFFICER REILLY - YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!!

Thomas L. Mikloiche
6915th Security Group -HOF/SAALE Germany