Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My grandpa was the other officer shot, his name was EC Obrien He died in 2020. He had a bullet stuck inside his stomach from where the bullet entered through the back and had no exit hole

Conner Obrien
Grandson of the other deputy

July 17, 2024

Deputy Harper,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Poinsett County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 24, 2022

I wish I could have done something, anything to make that situation turn out differently. I have felt guilty for years. You put your life in my hands and I tried my best to hold on to it. To Jim's family .. I am so sorry! I think of him often . RIP Deputy James Harper

Janet Wright
Poinsett county dispatch/911 1995-2000

March 28, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Harper.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 1, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Harper,
On today, the 22nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Poinsett County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 24, 2019

I miss you, if only I had more time with you. I am sure our paths will cross again. THIS I SWEAR

Best friend

December 24, 2018

daddy. I miss you so much,there are not words to explain. Although I am honored, not only to be the daughter of a hero ,but because i am your daughter,the daughter of the best man to ever walk this earth or to speak one word of truth and wisdom.I know so many things would be different if you were here today.I wish i had more time to be your daughter , more importantly your friend. ill see you again and for this i am truly blessed. i

n/a
daughter

September 2, 2017

Thank you for your service to the citizens of Arkansas. Our prayers are always with you and your family. God bless

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

April 24, 2017

I met your son today down here in Florida. We spoke, and I let him know I was a retired cop of 30 years. Hearing of your passing made my hair stand up. You have a good son, who's raising a good family. Thank You for what you did for those in need sir. One day, we'll meet above, and we can trade stories and laugh together. RIP sir.

Retired Master Detective Mark Leonard
Hillsborough County SO, Florida

April 2, 2017

Mr. Harper I know u don't know me but my name is Robert Barnes and I am currently dating ur daughter Jennifer harper I have heard so many great things about u and we'll sir I would like to ask ur permission to marry ur daughter if she would have me for a husband that is I'm a traditional man I do hope u approve thank you for ur ultimate sacrifice for our safety.

Robert barnes

April 24, 2016

Daddy I cant explain how much I miss you and how life has not been the same with out you it has been over 14 years since you were taken away from your family and friends and I have yet met a person like you I tried to cover the pain up for so many years but never got no were it was until last year when I rode my Harley from Fl to Ark and visited your grave everyday stright for almost a month if mot more I cried a river of tears wondering why the best man my daddy was killed and taken away from us at such a young age I know you loved your jod and loved your family more and we all respected you highly I am now 29 and have changed my life all the way I am now a father and try as hard as I can to raise my daughter like you did us we couldnt have asked for a better daddy in life every time I see a patrol car I think of you for along time after you were killed I ran from the man in blue but now I look at them and thank them for the job they are doing I hope to help others that have had lifes like we have went through I will do nothing but the right thing in life now days and think about what you would want me to do I cant wait to see you in heaven and thank you for watching down on me and saving my life so many times you are a true hero Daddy your son Jon Harper

Jon Harper
son

November 26, 2011

I miss you Dad, I wish you were here to help me like you always did.You taught me everything I need to survive, and I love you for that.people say time flys when your having fun, well it ain't been fun. miss you, Jimmy

james harper
son

July 4, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Harper. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Thinking of your loved ones today and everyday. I know the daily struggles they face without you and the terrible pain within their hearts. God, wrap your loving arms around them and help them with their grief and let them feel your presence.
Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Brenda Lucas
Mother of Chief Anthony D. Lucas, EOW 2-4-2005

April 24, 2009

"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

August 8, 2007

Hey Jim,

I enjoyed working with you. Every time I go back to Lepanto I take time to go by your final resting place. Jim you are my friend and I will miss you. Heroes never die, they are always remembered in the hearts of Friends and loved ones.

Corporal Daniel Johnson
Marion Police Department

October 6, 2006

Jim you will never be forgotten. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for being a great example of what a true officer should be. Rest in peace Sir.

PFC ADAMS
ARKANSAS HIGHWAY POLICE

April 22, 2006

I went to the Academy with Jim. He was a very quiet and reserved guy there. I remember him being excited about his career in Law Enforcment. He was older than most of us but was always running circles around us.

We lost three of our classmates less than two years of graduation.

He was a Damn good man!

Michael Huber

Ptlm./T.O.
Greenland Arkansas

April 7, 2006

Jim went I met you I had yet to embark on my career as a police officer. I was a dispatcher for Poinsett County when our paths crossed,and had no idea what impact your sacrifice would have on my future. I would just like to say
"Thank you for being a fine example of what an officer and friend should be.
You were always professional and treated everyone with the upmost respect. I can still hear your voice as if it was yesterday.You will always be in my memory and you will never ever be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.

PFC . S ADAMS
ARKANSAS HIGHWAY POLICE

January 3, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy James Harper and his fellow officers, and most especially to Deputy Harper:


Although it has been eight years since Jim was brutallly murdered, his valor and bravery are not forgotten. Rest in peace, Jim.

On behalf of our entire family, we extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when he was tragically killed.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Deputy Harper gave to his community, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 24, 1997.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 1, 2005

Jim was a wonderful man and devoted father. We all miss him. God Bless Jim and all officers that make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us.

Thank you Jim. We love you.

Linda Roland
Family member

September 16, 2003