Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace Officer Sykes. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sykes Family and the Memphis Police Department.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

December 10, 2024

Hey uncle John, I never gotten to meet you. I heard amazing stories about you coming up, and I think about you everyday. I was born 10yrs later to your brother Jim Sykes. I shared alot of memories with Granddaddy though before he passed, & aunt Carolyn (Fruity) keep me updated on my dad side of the family! I love, & miss y'all dearly!

Corbin Brown
Nephew

January 27, 2023

Well John, man Oh man, you just don’t know how much you are loved & missed! I wish you were here, that we could share in each other’s successes! Brother, I think of you so often, but I know that we’ll see each other again! Just wanted to talk to you, tell Big Bo I said hello! Rest Well Friend!

Rev. Dr. Tracy Foxx
Clergy

September 4, 2021

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

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

December 31, 2020

So sad...Such a brave and dedicated young man to lose his life to such a low life. You are remembered and you will always be in our prayers. Semper Fi and God bless you and your family.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

December 31, 2020

Well friend, WOW, man I miss you!
38 years has passed & I can see us as though it were yesterday!
So much has taken place since you went home! I think of you always & the fun we shared in school!
I look forward to seeing you again someday!
Rest Well my friend! Love always!

Dr. Tracy Fox

May 20, 2020

To my brother, John, we called you "teeny", I will always love and miss you. When u died, that was the worse day of my life cause you was the first in the family to die. I will never forget that night when we were expecting you to come home,but we got police officers at our door instead--delivering bad news. You died in 1982, in 1985,I had my first child, a girl, a niece you never got a chance to meet. Since then, I've had two more children, another girl, and a boy. I've told them about their uncle, how smart you were, how brave you were,and how handsome you were and just how much everyone loved you. I will forever love you and miss. If only I could have one more day with you, there would be so much to share. Rest in Heaven!! I love you!! Your baby sister--Audrey

Audrey Sykes
Baby Sister

April 8, 2020

Rest Well my FRIEND! Man I miss you. I think of you so often & look forward to seeing you again!
I remember us back in Jr High & High School as if yesterday. We had a Class Reunion this year & you were remembered with fond memories by all!
Love & miss you man!
Rest Well!

Tracy Foxx

January 10, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Sykes. A short and tragic career cut down by wanton evil. God knows His flock and Honor roll of resolve and dignity to be richly rewarded.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 22, 2018

A horrible tragedy for an officer who had only been on the force for such a short time. God loves the law keepers of our land and I know you are in heaven still on patrol. Thank you brother.

anonomous
Law officer friend

August 27, 2015

Well my friend, I find myself missing & thinking of you. I so wish we could talk & reminisce of years gone by, man I miss you! I know we'll see each other again one day, say hello to my mom! Just wanted to visit you & say I miss & love you my friend!
Your buddy,
Rev. Dr. Tracy Foxx
8/27/2015

Friend

August 27, 2015

I never met Officer Sykes however, I did attend college with his sister at MVSU. She talked to me about her brother's sacrifice, when I told to her my desire to become a police officer. Thanks for your service Officer Sykes. Rest in Peace.

SA
DEA

December 24, 2013

I met John in Memphis. My godfather was in the recruit class with him. He was a nice person, and I often think of him whenever I hear of a fallen Officer.

Daniel Silas
Friend

December 20, 2012

John I miss you so much, more and more as time goes by. I love you my friend, wish I could talk to you again. You were the best friend a man could have.

Dr. Tracy Foxx
Classmate and Friend

July 4, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 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 solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

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

January 3, 2012

John
It's been 26 years since you left and i can see you as if our childhood and high school years was yesterday. You'll never grow old and never be forgotten. You died doing what you do, caring for others.
Your dear friend
Rev. Tracy Foxx

February 12, 2008

"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

January 30, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

December 31, 2007

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MUCH TIME YOU SERVED, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 28, 2007

Hey Dad... I really miss you.. It was hard for me knowing that I never really got a chance to meet you. But I know you are in a better place. I am now a 24 year old man and working hard to better myself. I wish you were here to see my accomplishments. But I know you are watching me from heaven gates. You will always be in my heart & I LOVE YOU...
Your Son, John Wesley Stewart

John Wesley Stewart
Your Son

October 19, 2007

Brother Wesley,

You are never far from our hearts. We still love you and thank you for your service.

A Brother in Blue

August 6, 2006

John, your always was brave and wanted to do what's right.
You have been so missed, I wish so many times that we could talk, kid and joke like we use to.
I miss you. You are the best.

Min. Tracy Foxx
Life long high school friend

July 3, 2006

You will always be remember as the last "tre" of Zeta Phi. As well as a dedicated brother and friend to all that belong to the Distinguished fraternity of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

William E. Woods, Jr.
President, Zeta Phi Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Spr. 05 #7 A.P.E.X.

William E. Woods, Jr.
Fraternity Brother

April 26, 2006

Officer Sykes, Thank you for the life you gave so others would have a chance to live in a safe community. You ARE a true hero.

OHIO'
summit county
11-11-2005

November 10, 2005

~~~Eternally and Always~~~

I didn't get to say goodbye
You're gone without a reason why
I've loved you all of my life
and then you weren't there

I didn't get a chance to say
how much I cared
I can't even remember the tears
that I cried
All I really wanted was to tell you
Goodbye

When I last saw you I felt I wouldn't
see you again
There was a distance between us
that I couldn't explain
You wouldn't look
at me but I could see the tears
in your eyes
If you knew then
You should have told me
Then I could have said
Goodbye

So many words left unspoken
So many hearts left so broken
My love for you is forever
And that will never die
We'll be together always
Our souls are one with God
Eternally and Always
I'll never have to say
Goodbye

Anonymous

February 1, 2005