Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jimmy, for some reason today you popped into my head. I learned about your death while I was in the military and was not home for your funeral. We were friends during all our school years at Applewood, Middle School and High School and when I moved back to Ohio, the first time I drove down the strip on 71 where you were killed hit me like a ton of bricks. I know it has been 18 years since you were killed, but obviously you still have a way a popping up in our lives. I pray that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...RIP Jimmy!

Michelle Lister Groat
Childhood friends

August 25, 2014

Dear Jim,
We were childhood friends. I travel back and forth from Cleveland to
Columbus, I say a prayer every time I drive past your memorial and thoughts of you come to mind. We had lost touch over the years as does so many of us with growing up and starting new lives and families but I will always, always remember you fondly as a childhood friend; running through the neighborhoods, playing ball, hanging out and just being kids. You were such a good hearted, happy, funny kid/teenager. I can only imagine the fine young man, husband and family man you turned out to be. You did not have a mean spirited bone in your body. Thank you for your loyal service and protection. You will always be thought of with a smile. Thank you for the memories Jim, I feel blessed that you were a part of my life. Your childhood friend forever Marsha Cooke (aka Marsha Ray) love and peace.

Marsha
Friend

June 21, 2014

Jim, we were friends in high school. I don't think either of us thought we'd end up as LEO'S back then. That was so long ago and the world was open for us to explore. We were both new at our jobs when your life was taken from you. I was off that night but my dispatcher knew I probably knew you so she called me at home and told me the details she knew at the time.

You had just started a family and like me, were probably still enamored with the job and eager to make a difference. I remember going to your wake. I had never met your wife but the pain she obviously felt, showed in volumes and I struggled to remain stoic as I viewed you in your last resting place. It was not how I wanted to remember you, nor is it how I remember you. I remember the funny, charismatic Jim.

Jim, please know that you were loved like a brother by all of us and that we miss your influence in this world. I remember your funeral and I was so impressed to see departments from across the US and even from other countries honor you! The line of cars flashing red and blue reached from the church to your cemetery and more. What a magnificent send off to my friend!

I'm reaching the end of my LEO career now but I will never forget you, Jim. Every time I pass by your memorial on I-71, I tell my children about you. As a friend, and as a LEO. You will always be remembered my friend.

Ptl. Brian Oiler
Strongsville Police Department

May 29, 2014

RIP Brother.. Just passed your memorial sign on 71.

Neal Casale, Master Patrolman (retired)
Nashua Police Department, NH

January 26, 2014

Trooper Gross, I was two years behind you in Brunswick High School and have heard your name before. I didn't know you and like other people in school never thought anything of it. I lived in Iowa when your death happened and didn't realize it until I moved to Cincinnati and started making the drive to Cleveland. I saw your memorial and looked it up online. I was very saddened when I realized what had happened. May the Angels watch over you and God bless your family. We will always be Blue Devils and now Brothers of the Badge. I will say a prayer everytime I drive by your memorial. R.I.P.

PO Douglas Kachele
Hamilton County Park Rangers

June 20, 2013

Don't know or ever met Trooper Gross but was passing thru Ashland OH on the highway and saw the memorial for some reason it really made me reflect and was on my mind all day

PO Greg Durand
Town of Highlands NY Police/ RET NYPD

April 22, 2013

I saw your Memorial sign on the highway as I was driving to Potosi, MO for a COPS retreat. It's nice to know that your name will be remembered through time. Thank you for your service.
I just wanted to read your story and let you know that strangers care.
Rest in Peace.

James Deckert Sr
Son of a fallen officer

July 1, 2012

I went to school with Jim and remember him as being so nice and FUNNY! He was always laughing in that deep voice of his. I will always remember it! I had the pleasure of sitting next to him several times becuase both of our last names started with a "G" and the teachers like to assign seats in alphabetical order. I also had the pleasure of sitting next to him during high school graduation. It was a honor to have him as a friend.

Tracy Garnett Gates
Friend

April 8, 2012

James was a student in my English class. He was a good student and a pleasure to have in class. It was a shock to me to hear about his death. All of us lost a valuable person in our world that day. I hope his family is doing OK after all these years and know how many of us care about the loss of this fine young man.

Judith A. Saxman
Retired English instructor at the MCCC

April 7, 2012

I am a classmate of Trooper James R. Gross. We graduated together out of Class 124. I have not been able to communicate my feelings of loss until now. I remember you as we sat in the academy class room on a many cold days that led into spring time and the subsequent start of summer. After we were commissioned I worked the turnpike and left shortly thereafter and persued a career with ODRC. I miss you my brother as I am constantly reminded of that terrible day when I would pass by the offender that took you from family and friends. We were taught to be professional, so I'd brave the hallways of prison knowing that he can't hurt anyone else; all while keeping my emotions in check. I remember you for your courage, your sincerity and hunger to be an Ohio State Trooper. I will mostly remember you for a good laugh that you gave the whole platoon during a particular area of training. I thank God for meeting you and I thank your family for sharing you with us. I often tell my family and friends that I love them before and after work. I even dismiss roll call with, "Love you guys and ladies, please be safe and watch each others back- dismissed." I am secure enough to do that because I know my intentions are received as genuine and caring. Our instructors made us that way- to care for each other and never fail, but to push through challenges. You pushed your way all through the clouds and then heaven. You did your job as a preserver of life, so that evil would yield its hand further down the road on that cold day. May heaven smile upon you and keep your family at the helm of fond memories. "Thank you, sir."

Lieutenant W. Brown
ODRC

March 13, 2012

Dear Trooper Gross,

I've driven from Columbus to Cleveland numerous times. I've passed your memorial and have often wondered about who you are. I had to come online and look you up. Thank you for your sevice. You are my hero.

David Goldman

February 11, 2012

Jim, to this day I believe you are an angel that follows me out on the road. After all, you and Rommel helped teach me how to drive! I remember that feeling that you watched over me as a big brother. The fun, the laughter and all those years we grew up together. I miss you and often think of peace for your family. I will always carry a part of you with me!

Katherine (Whited) Gant
Friend

January 22, 2012

I remember so many fun times we had, the football games at applewood school the baseball games at mooney park I remember the day I heard aboout your passing and how I felt, I lost a good friend! We grew up together and you died serving the people of Ohio how lucky I was to have spent so much time with you, I miss you still and will ever hold a special place for you in my heart. God Bless your family as they remember you each and every day.

Kevin Canterberry
Friend

January 20, 2012

Growing up you never let me win at any sports and while I hated it at the time I love you for it now. It was who you were and gives me insight into why you became a Trooper. I remember the call and the pain. But what I remember most is the funeral and the endless parade of law enforcement vehicles from so many agencies including out of state. What an amazing show of love and brotherhood.

Chris Oring
Friend

January 19, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th 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 dimishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered.. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace

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

January 19, 2012

16 years ago today you were taken - NEVER forgotten.

Tom V.

January 19, 2012

Trooper Gross,

I remember you from OSP. I was in Basic Police Officer Training; You, obviously, were in Cadet Training. I remember you running through the halls at the academy and I don't recall that you ever weren't smiling about something. Remember the copperhead incident? Even those of us in Basic heard about it and we all breathed a collective sigh of relief that we weren't involved. You seemed the focused type, but you were always cheerful while you were doing it. The world lost a great personality when you left. I see your memorial every time I drive home to visit family and I remember seeing your smiling face in the halls. I wish you'd never been hurt.

SMH
Ohio Municipal Agency (no loonger active)

January 7, 2012

I have a hard time accepting the outcome, often I have asked where is the justice for Trooper Gross ?

May you rest in peace, you are not forgotten.

Joe Thomas

September 20, 2011

My husband & I have traveled the Trooper James R. Gross Highway many times. I have always wondered about this person & so went on line. How very sad this is. I appreciate our highway patrol officers so very much. God bless him always. Sylvia Powers

Sylvia Powers
Citizen

August 1, 2010

Jim-

I spent 5 years on OSP. I had left and moved onto the private sector shortly before you were killed. I did not know you personally. I did not need to know you personally. Anyone who has gone thru the Academy and made it to working the road is a "classmate"- no matter what class you graduated with. Unless you have walked up on a car during a traffic stop, no one understands the danger involved in doing that. You were doing what so many others have done thousands of times and made it thru only to turn right around and stop a vehicle again, with no second thoughts about it. Every time I drive up IS 71 and pass your memorial, it takes me back to that morning I heard about your death on the news. You have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace Brother.

Anonymous

June 7, 2010

Jim, You trained me for my first job. I remember the days of Dale's Smorgasboard...that little restaurant in our old home town. This was long before you went onto your prestigious career of serving the public. You were a true gentleman, and I will never forget that. I cried the day I heard about your tragic death on the news. I have driven by your memorial and felt so much pride for you. I will always remember what an honorable man you were. God Bless.

Linda Degli
friend

October 6, 2009

I think about the tragedy of your death each time I pass your memorial along the freeway. I pray each time that the family you left behind is doing well.

Joy Horvath

September 20, 2009

I just traveled down your memorial highway TPR. Gross. May you and your family always be with God. Thank-You.

M. Dugan
ODRC

July 2, 2009

Jim,

It's been a long time, but it still seems like yesterday. January 19, 1996 was the day we suffered a tremendous loss. It's difficult to beleive it has been so long. You impacted this world in such a psoitive way that it is still felt today. You are always with us. We miss you.

663

January 19, 2009

Trooper Gross,

Every time I pass your memorial on the highway, I say a prayer for you and all troopers out there protecting our highways. God rest and keep you.

Anonymous

January 4, 2009