Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Some people leave deep impressions on your heart because of how they live their lives. James Camp was one of those people. James worked for a security company in the mall where I managed a couple of jewelry stores. This was right before his tour with the CPD. He was a kind-hearted, professional man who did his work with respect and when needed firm demeanor. He was not one to be messed with if you were some petty thief or credit card hustler who had no respect for the law or the citizens who were doing their daily business. The mall was no picnic, but he treated those he detained with civility and consideration. I remember how lovingly he spoke of his family. How the men that worked with him respected him and how all of them cared for each other as brothers. James Camp was a rare human being and all these years later I know that who he was carried all of us who had the privilege of knowing him, especially his wife and loved ones through the tragedy that ended his life.

Nancy U
Work acquaintance

March 25, 2024

Officer Camp,
On today, the 25th 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 USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 9, 2024

Still not forgotten.........

Anonymous
1985 AOL/SI Graduate

March 9, 2023

I knew Camp before he became a cop. We both worked for a Canadian security company that had just set up shop in Chicago. He made mobile supervisor insanely quickly. My first interaction with him was hilarious. I took an overtime shift once not knowing that I'd be baby sitting a parking lot full cars all night over in Streeterville. Sitting in my car, I eventually fell asleep, which is a huge no no, obviously. A noise woke me up around dawn. It was Camp tapping on my window with his Maglite and a huge 'I got your a**' grin on his face. The reason he was smiling was because as a supervisor, he got stuck filling all the shifts that people would call off. Finding me asleep a**ured him that I was about to take three or four shifts off his hands as opposed to taking a write up in my permanent file. It's been 30 years and I still laugh about that. Camp was good people. I liked and respected him immensely. I remember years later when I was working at the Board of Trade, watching the morning news as I'm getting ready, Camp's face pops up on the screen and I f***ing froze. Kinda been stuck like that ever since. Still can't believe a cat like that is gone. He had just gotten married, too. God,I felt for his wife. Anyway, know you're missed, my man. I'll never forget you and your Maglite and your grin at 5:30 that morning.

Kal Steiner
Former co workers

November 7, 2022

I went to high school with James. Anyone who knew James, knows what an incredible person he was. He simply lit up a room. He was friendly, kind, fun, protective, loyal and passionate. Someone you wanted to be around. I was watching the news almost 23 years ago and recall the overwhelming shock and sadness as his murder was reported. So many from our hometown (Peoria) came to pay their respects. This past year an honorary street was named in James honor in Peoria. He touched so many lives I think of him often. The world was robbed of a beautiful man too soon.
Rest In Peace, James. I’m grateful to have known you.

Theresa King Atchley
High school classmate/Spalding 1983

February 26, 2022

I just found out about this tragedy this morning from another Marine that served with us. I went to Boot Camp, Infantry School and served with James Camp in 2nd LAI Bn (USMC). He was my friend and Brother and one heck of a Marine. He loved his Country and was always the first to stand up for what was right. He was tough, kind and intelligent but his most enduring quality was his compassion for his fellow man. I am terribly sorry to find out of his murder and especially the Marxist judge who let his murderer off on a lesser charge. It adds insult to injury to this great American Patriot, who spent his life putting himself in harms way to protect and serve. Till we meet again, my Brother... fair winds and following seas...

Brad Reel
USMC

October 7, 2020

It's been 21 years and I still miss you. Every year, I cry when I read how you were taken from us and get my heart broken all over again when I read the acquittal. Sometimes when great things happen in my life, I wish I could get one of your calls and make you proud. I can still hear your laugh and see your smile. I know you're still with us, just wish you got to grow old with Dad. We would've made great memories. Love you, Uncle Jimmy

Tiffanie
Niece

March 9, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Camp. Acquitting a man of cold bloodedly murdering a public servant is akin to robbing one of their honor and life.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 16, 2019

RIP uncle Bugs

Hana Palmer
Niece

March 9, 2019

I think about you and Kenny every single day, not a day goes by.....

Sergeant
CPD

December 26, 2018

Remember when you were my supervisor at Intercon Security and I was supposed to be baby-sitting that parking lot that one night and I fell asleep in my car and you woke me up at dawn by tapping on my window with your Maglite? You had this 'I gotcha' grin on your face. You said I could either take a write up or take 3 overtime shifts out in Carol Stream you couldn't fill. Lol. Later on we chased knuckleheads at the Brickyard for a while before I quit. Can't tell you how stunned I was when I woke up one morning years later and saw your face on the news. I raised a toast to you in Irish Eyes on Clark St a few nights later.
Btw, you know that damn parking lot is STILL there? Everytime I pass it I think of you tapping on my window that morning with a 'you're about to take some shifts off my hands' smirk. It always makes me laugh. Know you're missed, brother. RIP.

Kalief Steiner
Former co-worker

December 10, 2018

Rip Jimmy

Inv Joseph Seinitz
D.O.T.

September 9, 2018

Rip uncle Bugs

Hana Palmer
Niece

March 9, 2018

Officer Camp I was in the hiring process with CPD when you were taken from your family and those who you would've touched on the job. I remember crying for your loss even though I never met you. Since that unfortunate day I've always remember you. And on the 13th of February 2018 we lost a real boss, a real man who I wish I had the pleasure to work for. You death memory carries on in my mind and Commander Bauer will be another. As they say, "Gone but never Forgotten". To both of you, Rest in Peace and guide us all from above.

Police Officer
CPD

February 17, 2018

Gone but not forgotten brother

Officer Joe Seinitz
CPD

October 31, 2015

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

Wow, Camp time has passed we were classmates 94-3D, I am now working my way to retirement since I was the oldest in our class. I don't know how I happened on this page but I am glad I did. Continue to Rest In Paradise Officer James Camp!!!!

Police Officer
CPD

March 26, 2015

I remember James Camp as a smart high school kid and excellent football player at Spalding Academy. He was a class mate of my brotrher, Eddie Palladini. Class of 83. I will be running the "Run To Remember " on May 3rd in Peoria, Illinoi. I am running in memory of James Camp and honoring his service. They will announce his name when I cross the finish. Thank you for serving James and you will never be forgotten. God Bless your dear family.

n/a
Friend

April 13, 2014

DEAR CAMP FAMILY,
I WAS IN 94-3B RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO JIMMY. I REMEMBER THE DAY THAT I MET HIM LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. HE WAS IN THE HALLWAY AND AS SOON AS I SAW HIM HE EXTENDED HIS HAND WE INTRODUCED OURSELVES. IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES 2 STRANGERS BECAME BROTHERS IN BLUE AND HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO HELP YOU OUT WITH ANYTHING.
THERE HAVE BEEN MANY A NIGHT WHERE I LIFT A BEER TO MY FACE AND SPEAK A SILENT TOAST TO MY OLD FRIEND JIMMY. GOD BLESS THE CAMP FAMILY AND GOD BLESS JAMES CAMP!!! YOU ARE TRULY MISSED!!! WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS OF HIS DEATH, IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE HIT ME WITH A TRUCK. IT SEEMS IVE FELT THAT PAIN A LITTLE TOO MUCH ON THIS JOB, BUT I KNOW JIMMY IS IN HEAVEN
WATCHIN DOWN ON US. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM!!

P.O.T KUCHARSKI # 11902
CPD 012

February 4, 2013

I miss you campy. 31 may was our 18th anniversary. You and Jimmy left us way too soon.

I look at your guys stars every time I'm in hq.

Rest in peace guys.

Sgt. Class 94-3d
Cpd

July 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Camp. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Thank you for your service Sir, You were a true Hero. A Hero may fall but shall never be forgotten. Your killer will answer for what he did one day Sir, one way or another he will pay.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 9, 2012

I remember that day when the call went out concerning Jimmy death. I now reflect on Jimmy setting on my lap eating strawberries and peaches as a child. I'm not going to share my anger at a system that placed so little value on his death by plea bargaining with the individual who took his life and removed my little brother from us. With a sentence that equals to a property offense. RIP my brother

Ahmed J Shabazz
oldest brother

March 9, 2012

I remember that day when the call went out concerning Jimmy death. I know reflect on Jimmy setting on my lap eating strawberries and peaches as a child. I'm not going to share my anger at a system that placed so little value on his death by plea bargaining with the individual who took his life and removed my little brother from us. With a sentence that equals to a property offense. RIP my brother

Ahmed J Shabazz
oldest brother

March 9, 2012

James-the Good Lord needed another Spalding Irish Football Player for his team. I was fortunate to coach James, he was a great student athlete,role model, and player.
Go Irish
Tom Kahn

Tom Kahn
Spalding Head Football Coach 1980-83

March 9, 2012