Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear James,

It has been almost 6 months since God called you home, and I can not tell you how much I want him to let you stay a little while longer. I wish I have spent a lot more time with you. I remember all that we have done since I was even born. I still have pictures of me waiting on the couch watching the door waiting for you to come in,so I can jump in the bed with you and we would sleep together. I must have been about 5 or 6 then. Also I remember when me and you would run around and wrestle and have a great time for about an hour or so before we would both pass out of heat exhaustion. Those were yours and my most favorable memories in the past. I have not had a chance to speak my mind for a long time but I sure wish I have done it a lot sooner. I really miss you James and I'm sure your watching over me right now.But I just can't find closure in your death. But I still have your pictures,memories,words,your smile to hold to until it's my time. I love you a lot James and I'm sure you knew that, and still do know that, and I will make a difference in this world when grown up and even now. That will be my promise to you. I love You VERY MUCH!!!
Your Little Brother,
Joe

One of the best day's of my life was the day James was born and the worse day of my life was the day James died.I can not go a day without thinking of James and all the things we did together.I wish so bad that James was back with us.I cry everyday and yet I am so proud of all that James had accomplish and best thing of all,I know that James is in heaven with God.Love Always Dad.

Tiffany,
I was so sorry to hear about your husband. On October 3, 2001 I also lost someone very dear to me. My husband (Trooper Calvin E. Taylor) and I were separated when he was killed while on a traffic stop. He was hit by a tractor trailer while outside of his vehicle. Even though we were separated, we still loved each other very much & told each other so on the evening of October 2. When my parents came from eastern North Carolina for the funeral, my father brought the newspaper article about your husband's death & funeral. Even though Calvin & I were separated, I honestly know the pain that you feel from losing your husband. I now feel like I've lost mine twice. Like your family, I get great comfort in knowing that my Calvin was a christian and is spending his eternity in heaven with God (and your James). Like you said, there are so many different "whys?" but the bottom line is that God was ready to give Calvin & James the rest they never had as officers here on earth. Due to the close proximity of our husbands' deaths, I'll never forget about you. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Denise L. Taylor

Dear James,
It's been four months since this senseless act of cowardice took place. We miss you brother. We talk about you often. We know that you are in a better place now and take comfort in knowing that the gates of heaven are well protected. Although we would rather have you working beside us, we know that god needed you, and all of the police officers we lost last year. I pray for your family and hope that they are doing well. At least as well as can be expected. As for the people who insist on causing more pain and suffering to be felt by those who truly respected and miss James, shame on you.

Your Friend, Jay

Officer J. Reed
Norfolk Police Department

James, I wish I had gotten to know you better while you were my neighbor. You were only a few houses away, around the corner, and I wish I had told you how much I appreciated what you were doing for the people of this community. Please know that I will do all I can to help Tiffany and Logan through this difficult time, and please know that they are among good friends.

Mike Cohen
Neighbor

It is evident from the reflections left here by James Gilbert’s family and friends that he was both very much loved and well respected. By every account, his badge always shined brightly.

I never had the occasion to meet Officer Gilbert, but I am honored to serve in the same profession as this true hero.

Brother James, your sacrifice, and others like yours will never be forgotten.

Detective W. S. Humphrey
Virginia Beach Police Department

Dear JAMES,
It's Christmas day. It's been a very difficult day. NOTHING here is the same without you. It's been tough without your smile and laughter.
TIFFANY & LOGAN really miss you, too. I know that today is probably going to be one of the hardest for them. If you only knew how much love & joy that you have brought into all of our lives. Not a single day goes by that I don't ask myself "WHY?!" Why did GOD have to take my sister's husband, LOGAN'S father, AMY & JIMMY'S oldest son, DAVE,MARK,& JOEY'S older brother, my parent's other son, and my good friend that was like a brother to me.
I know that you are in GOD'S hands now & that you are watching over all of us. JAMES, we all love and miss you so very much. May you rest in peace, brother.

TIM HARKINS BROTHER-IN-LAW

I remember the day you were born. I watched you and Michael take your first steps and heard your first words. i remember the halloween that you dressed up as a little old lady and michael dressed up as a little old man, you were probably only about five years old. I remember you,Dave, and Mike playing in paw's field. I remember the way you and Mike would gang up on poor Dave and bomb him with dirt clods. You guys only wore shorts,were barefooted and bare chested,sweaty,dirty and of course the tater rows under your necks. God how I wish we could be back there and none of this nightmare had ever happened. I remember your graduation,how sweet,handsome and innocent you were.I was so proud of you. I remember how when you lived on Mt.Pleasant Rd. how you rode your bike back and forth to the ocean front and lost all your adolescent chubbines. I remember how the day before I was to trade in my car,how you backed into it.You were so embarrassed.I remember how beautiful your wedding was. I remember what a wonderful attentive father you were,how proud you were and how much Logan loved you. I remember the hawaian birthday party you threw for Tiffany. I remember how loyal you were to Tiffany and how much you loved her.I remember now that the holidays are here how you and the boys loved Thanksgiving and Christmas how you guys always played football as soon as supper was over,even Sarah played.Nanny remembers how much you loved sweet potato pie.I remember how excited you were to finally go hunting with Michael last year and how excited you and Mike were this year planning to go again.When you were killed, Michael wrote on the back of his truck window a memorial message.He misses you so much .You were his brother even though you were cousins.Most of our comfort comes from our knowledge that you loved the Lord and that because we love the Lord, we know that you have Aunt Sunnie,Uncle Clyde, Granny, Popsie,Jason and most importantly Paw there with you. How glourious it must be to be in heaven with Jesus, your first Christmas in heaven.I'm sure our Christmas songs can't compare with the Christmas choir up there.Our Christmas gift to you this you are our fond memories and our undying love for you. We miss you so much,but it must be wonderful to spend Christmas with Jesus Christ with your beautiful healthy new body in Christ. I love you so much, there is never a day that I don't remember you and so far, not a day that I don't shed a tear. XOXOXOXO Aunt Mary

Dear Friends, Family and Officers,

My family and I appreciate all of your kind thoughts, letters and prayers you have written us. To the many of you that did not know my husband, I now know that you do. He was such a great human being. Definately, one of a kind. My husband was a Police Officer with the Norfolk Police for 3.5 years. He was a very humble man that always went above and beyond to help someone else. James and I would have been married for six years on October 21, 2001.

One of my husband's hobbies was NASCAR. My husband James loved Earnhardt Jr. (#8 Budweiser Nascar Driver}. The two months prior to his death we went to several nascar races. I figured GOD wanted him to have as much fun as possible, knowing he had a mission for James. I can truely say my husband lived life to the fullest. He was always happy and telling a joke or two. Most of the jokes were about Logan or I.

As many Police Officers do, my husband James worked a few side jobs too. He would always call Logan and I from Super Kmart several times an evening where he worked part-time security, just to tell Logan and I how much he loved us.

My husband was a very thoughtful, unselfish and caring person, that always put others before himself. I honestly beleive he lived and died this way. As many of you have read in the news articles that have followed, you can see the legacy he left behind. Although his family and I can not make sense of this senseless tragady, you still try everyday, every minute and every hour. Why my husband? Why the father of our beautiful daughter Logan? Why the son of Amy and Jimmy? Why the oldest brother of four? Why HIM? Why HIM? We have driven ourselves crazy and exhusted our minds, asking GOD why? I hope one day we will find some type of peace through all of this. I just can't see how. But then again you ask God why? With no reply. You ask yourself is it wrong to be mad a GOD? We all deal with these emotions and thoughts daily. Your life no longer makes sense sometimes. Are you wrong if you laugh? Are you in denial if you cry too much? When do you go on, if ever? You ask God to guide you and ease your pain. But sometimes you wonder if he's listening.

I know my husband will NEVER be forgotten. He was the love of my life, my best friend and my everything. I hope if you read this, you will love and know my dear husband. He not only touched may lives here on earth, but will always continue touching us and guiding all of us always. There will never be anyone like him. May GOD hold him tight and keep him warm. Rest in Peace
honey. I will love you always.

Your Loving Wife,
Tiffany Gilbert
12-10-01

And for you (the coward that killed my husband) I hope that you ask YOUR GOD for forgivness. May you burn in HELL!!!

Tiffany Gilbert
Widow/Wife of James B. Gilbert

I feel so blessed for having James for a Son-In-Law. God did not make another one like him on the face of this earth. He was a loving, wonderful, man that was never too good to do anything....if it had to be done, he did it and never complained. He loved my daughter and granddaughter so much and showed it every day. He was so good to my husband and myself and we loved him like he was our own Son. The outpouring from his fellow police officers and the public has made this whole horrific situation somewhat easier because of how wonderful and caring everyone has been. We w We have been upheld in prayer by many and we are very thankful for those prayers. May God Bless each and every Police Officer and keep all of you safe.

Joann Harkins
James Gilbert's Mother-In-Law

"Last Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a Saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
but if you don't...I'll understand
There was silence all around the throne
Where the Saints had often trod
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Author unknown

Anonymous

James Gilbert...your story caught my attention because you died on the same day as did my friend's brother, Deputy Sheriff Jason Schwartz. Jason was also killed by gunfire, also the victim of an intentional and violent attack.
Rest in peace, James, and may your family find peace in time, as well. Thank you for being a hero.

On September 28th, 2001, Heaven welcomed two new angels...

Claire

God Bless Brother Gilbert and his family

Officer SA Sparks
Chesterfield Co PD

Rest in peace warrior! On behalf of my department, we will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Officer Jason Woodruff
Gulf Shores, AL Police

Last night(10/12) I got off work @ Obici Hospital where I am a nurse, to go the 2nd Precinct to see & be near my significant other whom is a Norfolk Officer of 17 years. A couple of the officers getting off the evening shift where going to go & meet after work..But instead they received a call to a man who took some pills, swallowed a 5th of booze & decided he wanted to kill himself...Well, to say the least there was no meeting after work for a couple of the officers, because they where to busy logging in a ridiculous amount of weapons they had found in the house of this individual. And the sad thing is, this man who put these officers @ risk, will probably get his weapons back once he is medically cleared. The chaos just never ends. And the cycle repeats itself.
But I am so proud that there are people that are willing to put their own lives on the line like Officer Gilbert each & every day for folks such as I, that he has never even meet. To give of himself so unselfishly.
I am sincerely saddened that his life was cut short from his family and friends. And of course the one question constantly repeats itself..Why?? Why??
I pray for his wife & child, family , friends & close co-workers (especially his partner) to find their way through these hard times. For what we have lost on Earth, God has gained in Heaven.
God Bless you Tiffany & Logan. May God hold you close & guide you each & every day..

My prayers are with you ,

Rose

All of us within the Chaves County Sheriff's Department wish to express our condolences and deepest sympathy in the death of Officer James B. Gilbert

Whether it is in the line of duty or from other causes, the death of an officer, friend and loved one is not easy to accept. I hope that knowing that your department and the family of your officer will be remembered in our prayers will be of some comfort in the days to follow.

Sheriff Patrick R. Jennings
Chaves County Sheriff's Dept.

Though I did not know Jim I felt I did because my son attended the academy with Jim and was working in the first precinct the morning Jim died. Attending Jims funeral was the hardest thing I have done in my left and literally broke my heart. But driving from the church to the cemetary I realized Jim was watching and would have been honored at what we saw. Blacks standing with whites along the route, young with old, women with tears streaming down their faces, signs saying thank you Officer Gilbert, God Bless Officer Gilbert, old men standing at attention saluting the entire procession, mechanics standing tall with an American Flag, office personnel standing in a neat row, cars on the opposite side of the street that could have proceeded had stopped and the drivers standing in the streets looking own. What a display of love and respect for Officer Gilbert and really for all of the great men and women who wear the badge. To Officer Gilbert, I never knew you but I loved you and I miss you everyday, to all the other Officers, God Bless you and may HE be beside you on every call.

Terry McClain
Chesapeake, Va.

Terry McClain
Grateful Citizen

To the family and friends of James Gilbert,
I was one of the nurses in NICU who took care of Officer Gilbert.I want to tell you how very sorry I am for all of you in the loss of this great man.I have a deep respect for the brotherhood of police officers,they truly have a unity that many could learn from.I was more deeply affected by this trauma than all of the traumas I have ever experienced in my many years of nursing partly because of his beautiful caring wife and loving family and because he gave his life for someone in need.One of my family members is a police officer and so this hit me in a personal way.I don't know what else to say except it was an honor to have a small part in caring this brave and compassionate man.

RN
Sentara Norfolk Gen Hosp

I want to very send my condolences to Officer Gilbert's family. I was married for 18 yrs to a Detective from Seattle, Wa. I have cried for many officers that have fallen. These are the supermen of the world and it is a thankless job but they do what they believe. The pain and hurt stays in your heart but life does have to go on and I have learned to keep strong for the other brothers we have in law enforcement. A friend from Va...he is a Federal Officer....Donald Pollard....told me of the great lost and now he feels the pain that I went through. I just wanted to send my condolences to his family and may they keep strong... for the memory of Officer Gilbert will remain in my heart and everyone's heart. He is a man to well be proud of. Thank you for letting me send this. Marilyn

Marilyn Wallace

Officer Gilbert was a good Officer and It is very sad that a young Officer trying to do the right thing and help someone had to be shot and killed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gilbert family and all my brothers of the Norfolk Police Department, God Bless and stay safe.

Mark J. Curry
Norfolk Police Department

TO THE FRIENDS & FAMILY OF P/O JAMES GILBERT, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU DURING THIS UNFORTUNATE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. STAY STRONG.....

SGT. SCOTT MAHONEY
DELAWARE COUNTY PARK POLICE (PA)

Just over a year ago you became a brother to me James. You welcomed me to the Department, you put me at ease, you watched my back. Thank you for all the times you kept me safe. God bless you, your family, and all of our brothers and sisters in the Norfolk PD.

OFF Nicole A. Freutel
Norfolk Police Department

Father

Another badge fell to the ground today.
Another star shines in heaven I pray.

Another Police Officer taken from this world we all know.
Another man risen so heaven could grow.

Another hero is born I see.
Another man's sacrifice a lesson to me.

Another brother paves the way.
Another back-up I call on my day.

Another family with shattered dreams.
Another widow sits crying in streams.

Another time I ponder life.
Another time I kiss my wife.

Another wish my Father above.
Please wrap this man in your heavenly love.

--Anonymous


With great sadness,
Charlotte, NC - a former Norfolk Police Officer

To the entire Gilbert Family, Wife, Daughter and Loved Ones,
I attended the funeral yesterday and was touched!! To not know someone and to feel like you knew all about them was how I felt. To see the outpouring of fellow officers from along the East Coast attend left a lasting impression that will never be forgotten. We try to be tough and we see a whole lot of grief, pain and sadness throughout our careers, but yesterday was truly painful! There was not a picture on the slideshow where you were not smiling. I want you to know that you made a difference in my career, and made me feel proud again to wear this human badge of courage. I brought a rose to put on your casket for you, but I couldn't get to it through all the people. But I tell you what.....I will keep that rose and carry it with me while I ride my bike in May 2002 to Washington DC with the Police Unity Tour (Chapter 4). I will either place it near your name on the wall, or present it to your family. We will do whatever it takes to pay all respects to you and your family. Thanks for making a difference in my life, and I'm sure many, many others!!!
Rest in Peace Brother,

Off. Whitson

Off. J.C. Whitson
Portsmouth Police Department, Va

Rest in Peace.
Your family will be in our prayers.

L. Collins Paramedic
Daley's Ambulance, Chicago Illinois