Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

That fateful day of the 5th of October, 1996, you were my relief in the 4-8. At 6am I went home to the safe comfort of my bed, while you stood guard over all of us. In less than one hour you would be taken from us.

At 10am, I awoke to the phone call only to hear those dreaded words, “Jimmy was killed.” I felt instant grief, guilt, and anger. I, like everyone else, wanted to be there for you; but I was asleep then and hated myself for it.

Today, some 27 years later, I read the 911 and dispatch transcripts from that early morning, and I was there, responding code-3 to you with our brothers and sisters, crying all the way.

Each day at work, I see your image on the wall of fallen JP heroes, and I think of you. Just know that we all think of you still.

JP 408 Nightwatch

Sgt D
JPSO

May 19, 2023

I miss you everyday

Lt Rick Lofto
Rapides Parish Sheriff

September 30, 2022

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Clarius.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 29, 2019

Deputy Clarius, I write this to you; Why some men standing the blue line die of their wounds and others live on has been an wonderment to me, to this day.
I was shot 7Jul71 at Causeway Blvd & Andover, and two of the shots should have been my end of watch. But, thru the grace of a higher power of ones own belief, continued to stand the line till May 2000. I now learn of our brothers and sisters in today’s law-enforcement family doing their jobs, by TV and newspapers, while they read of ours in history books.
While we didn’t know each other well, your father in law Mike Demma and I shared many years of brotherhood.
My reflection today was motivated by seeing the story of you being honored in the naming of: DEP. JAMES CLARIUS DR.
You did good Clarius, and it was the community’s lost that you were taken, as you had so much more to do.

Trooper Charles B Saltaformaggio
Troop B

December 17, 2018

Oct. 5, 1996 - the day society lost but heaven gained.
Selfishly we mourn yet we are so blessed to have known you.
From the time we met working at RPSO - Always up to something .... never a dull moment on shift.

Never to be forgotten.

Sonya Wiley-Gremillion
Rapides Parish 911-OHSEP

May 11, 2017

Today, something reminded me of the horrible trial. I searched your name (a name I'll never forget), found this page, and tearfully read through the loving tributes left by your family and friends. When I reported for jury duty that day, I never imagined I would be picked to serve on a jury that was sequestered for nine days. Being put in that position, to literally decide the fate of the defendant, I prayed and cried every night in the hotel room that the events would be made clear to us, through the attorneys, witnesses and evidence. It weighed heavily on my heart, seeing your family suffer during testimony, and shenanigans displayed by the defendant's family....but i refused to let emotion sway me. When we came back CONFIDENTLY with the guilty verdict, the defendant's family exploded, causing chaos in the courtroom. It was truly a scary moment. We knew we served justice that day, though we all carried heavy hearts that evening at the hotel. Disappointingly, the next day, we were not able to serve the death penalty in this case (just know..every female juror voted for it!). I realize it is now 17 years since the trial, but I still think of you and your family often, as this trial had a great impact on my life. Nearly every day I drive down W. Esplanade, passing Paige Dr. Often, if I'm stopped at the light at Vets and Causeway, I'll glance at the memorial and think of the loved ones you left behind. I pray they are doing well.

Citizen
Juror

May 12, 2016

Think about you often Bro

Jim Lee
Ex Brother in Law

October 6, 2015

Jimmy I can't believe its been 19 years since you left us. I can remember that day like yesterday. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get to you that day, but know that I do think of you often, especially everyday when I am driving on West Esplanade and passing Page Dr.
RIP brother.

Deputy (Ret) James Melton
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

October 5, 2015

A day doesn't go by that your not on my mind! It's hard to believe its already been 19 years! Seems like yesterday. I love and miss you very much!!! I will see you again....I promise!

Detective Rick Lofton
Rapides Parish Sheriff Office/BFF

October 5, 2015

Jimmy, you were my first love. I think of you often and miss way back when... God now has you. Look after all who loved you. Shine on!

Susie

November 16, 2014

Deputy James may you never be forgotten & be remembered as the Hero you are. God Bless your family, may they find peace.

Citizen Tracy Corley
Louisiana

October 5, 2014

Rest in peace Jimmy, Gone but not forgotten!

Deputy Wright
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

October 5, 2011

Hey Jimmy........

Thinking of you and your family on this day. Rest in peace buddy.

Stephen Cantelli

October 4, 2011

I remember the BOLO on the radio. I was in New Orl. East. I believe it was the old Tenneco Station that was hit. Every time to this day that I pass West Esplanade & Page Drive, I ALWAYS remember. I never forget that day. I never knew James, but I always remember that day. To this day I always say if only I had been passing by at that time.

Former Senior Agent W. Vosbein
Ex State Wildlife Agent

September 17, 2011

Deputy, for all these years, I've remembered you. I didn't really know you much at all. You were a regular customer who dropped in to my business for a coffee, never said much.
One particular day, one of my machines was inoperable, because I needed a wrench to loosen a part, and couldn't find one. I was alone in the store,and could not leave.
You tried to assist me when you saw me struggling. You said to me, "looks like you need a crescent wrench." I gave up, you had to go to work, you told me on your way out.
An hour or so later, I hadn't even seen you come in. You were now in your police uniform. You were working on the equipment and had it fixed by the time I saw you. You walked past me, showed me the wrench in your hand, and explained how you went home to dress, and remembered to bring the wrench to help me out.
That was the same day you lost your life.
I only knew your name on your badge, and that you were quiet, kind, and caring. I saw the news the following days, and wanted to tell your family of your kind gesture in the last few hours of your life, yet wasn't quite sure how to share it.
Thank you brother, and friend, for being so kind .I will never forget you.

Manager
Store in the neighborhood

August 9, 2011

RIP Hero, Gone but never forgotten.

Anonymous

April 15, 2010

You will never be forgotten by those you left behind. Your legacy lives on. Walking through this journey together your family and friends are not alone.

Cathy Hill
GHC.O.P.S. President

March 1, 2010

Deputy Clarius thank you for your service. May God Bless you and your family. Rest in Peace! You will not be forgotten!

Lieutenant
Del Rio Police Department (Texas)

January 12, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 8, 2009

James, I miss talking and having that cup of coffee with you in the 106 area. You were a good person and friend. I still have all your news paper clippings. I still see some of the good old boys and when I do, I think of you. Talk later for sure .

Agent Malcolm faber
Co-worker

January 16, 2009

Jimmy,
I remember like it was yesterday when you fell. It hurt everyone, like a ton of bricks being dropped on us. Your sense of duty and committment to your job are fine examples for EVERYONE to follow, regardless of profession.

For beautiful Monique, let me just say, you are not alone. The grace you have shown has been a light for all of us. I remember you and your sons in my prayers. I have also gone through incalculable loss, and I know how tough things might be for you. From it all, I have only managed to come up with one thing that has guided me. I have to go on, to continue to live to make my loved ones proud. And they are, I know they can see us.

G. Burgess
NOPD

November 20, 2008

Well its been 12 yearsto the day that your were taken from us. I carried guilt on my heart for along time for failing you and your awsome family. God took the guilt away from me not long ago but ole sneeky satan has lately been trying to wedge it back in there. Oh how I miss you its a hurt that I cant describe to anyone. Please....Please give your strength from heave to Monique.....she love you so and holds you as dear to her heart as she did when you were next to her. I have tried to fill the void in my heart but just can't. I don't think there is another man on earth that is as great as you.....damn its hard to write. I refuse to let you be forgotten.....I brag on you every chance I get....You and Rachel will always have my heart....Monique tells me about how fine your boys are growing up....how Jordan is all you....I want to see him so.....well I love you....We all do...I think I'm going to dance our little "Jig" and get Rachel to do the "Cheer"....God I need you.....................

Rick Lofton
RPSO, JPSO, APD-Retired, Brother in Christ

October 5, 2008

It is an honor to wear the same uniform as you did, thank you for your service and dedication to duty, may I have the same courage as you shown if called upon. Your wife is one in a million and helped my daughter thru some rough times with just the offer of an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on.

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

May 9, 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

November 1, 2007

May His light ever shine on you and may He heal Rick's heart.G-d bless.

October 21, 2007