Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We all loved Jim in any role he took on! (Dispatch even!) Sad day

Laura Austen
Friend - ACSO

May 9, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Park Ranger James Royce Pitney of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 17, 2023

Ranger Pitney,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force-especially during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 17, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Park Ranger James Royce Pitney of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Ohio and the additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 17, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Park Ranger James Royce Pitney of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

December 17, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Park Ranger James Royce Pitney of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Ohio and the additional 56 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

December 17, 2017

Jim,
I was thinking of those times in dispatch when we would laugh so hard. I remember you would hear an infomercial on TV and would get so upset about "If you call within the next 20 minutes then you will get a free item". You always said, "They don't know if it's been 20 minutes or not". We would laugh so hard.
You are missed, my friend.

Deputy Angie Hamilton
Ashland County Sheriff's Office

May 17, 2017

Rest In Peace Sir. Nevet had the pleasure of meeting you, but I was a lake ranger at Seneca Lake for a little while and never knew we had a fallen officer. May you Sir Rest In Peace. God Bless your family.

Ptl. Shane Porter
Newcomerstown Police Dept. Ohio

September 30, 2013

Still thinking about you and thankful to have learned a lot from you.

Former Ranger
MWCD

September 19, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the ninth anniversary year 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.

I pray for solace for all those who miss and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace

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

December 17, 2011

I sure do miss Jim's short email stories, I believe he called them, "News from the lake." Hard to believe it has been this long. So much has changed.

Anonymous

September 29, 2010

My Dear brother and friend, Jim,
This is always a tough time of year for many of us--we love and miss you so much! Bill asked me to make Russian Tea cakes for Christmas and, of course, it reminds me of you, knowing it was one of your favorite cookies. When I was making fruitcake on Thanksgiving Day I couldn't help but remember how much you loved it. I am so glad that we took it to you that year right after Thanksgiving day and you were able to enjoy a bit of it before you were taken from us. I often think about that day--you were called away to the Park to check on a power problem and I had to have an "extra " hug before you left. God knew I would need it! What I would give to have one of your bear hugs right now!
Our flame-point Siamese cat "Sam Riley" is sitting on the computer desk watching me. Thank you for setting me up with a computer in the first place.
With Love, Carol

Carol Gall, sister

December 19, 2009

Dearest Jim, yesterday was the 7th ann. of your death. It's still a hard day for me. I still miss you so much.
Christmas has been difficult for 7 yrs. I was escaping to James's house, but the past 2 yrs. I have put up a tree. I cannot use any old ornaments-to many memories. I do however put a blue tree up for you with C.O.P.S. ornaments on it. James is a Major now and I just helped him move to Barksdale A.F.B., La. Driving for 5 days gave me lots of time to think about you and our road trips. It was an easy and very successful move. Joe is a very hard worker and a great driver. He drives for Fed-Ex and still does his auto business on weekends. You would be so proud of them.
All of us will be together this Christmas and I am so excited. Be sure and watch your grandchildren Christmas morning, they are so sweet. I am possitive you would be the best "Pa" Pitney there ever was! You will never be forgotten, until we meet again in Heaven, I love you.

Irene Pitney
Widow

December 18, 2009

Jim,

It has been almost 7 years. I can hardly believe it. All is well. Corby is 13 now and i have a little girl Macy is almost two. Yes, i have one more coming. Kim is doing well also. We talk about you alot. We wish you were still here. It hurts daily everytime time i drive by where you were taken. On the other hand, there is not many days that i don't think about you and what a good friend you were. Wow! What great and deep conversations we had. Sure miss those.

Rest in peace and see you someday!!! God Bless

Dan

Park manager Dan Mager
MWCD

September 30, 2009

My dearest Jim, I attended a C.O.P.S. picnic with Joe and family last Sat. The memories came flooding back for both Joe and I. We all miss you so very much. Your grandchildren are now 10,8,6,5,and 2. They are so precious to me and I wish you could be here to enjoy them with me. I am so proud of our sons. They are good responsible adults thanks to you. Their wives are also wonderful. I'm sorry you can't be here to reap the rewards from your 50 yrs. of living. I am well, missing you but moving forward.
The 6 1/2 yrs. have gone by fast in some ways and oh so slowly in other ways. We think of you everyday, and pray that we can all be reunited in Gods house. Loving you still. August 21, 2009

Irene B. Pitney
widow

August 21, 2009

Dear Jim,
I miss you so much. You were the best Big Brother any sister could wish for. I was so blessed. You were my best friend. You helped me through depression when I did not know what to do. There are many times I wish I could talk to you even now. I love you. I know you are in God's hands. 'Til we meet again, I cherish the memories!

Carol Ann Gall
Sister

June 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this sixth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

December 17, 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

January 3, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

December 9, 2007

Jim,
As i was patrolling today on a great fall day by the lake, i knew how much you would of appreciated it. I drive by the location of that horrible day on December 17, 2002 and think about you everyday. I just want you to know how often the staff talks about you and you will always be remembered. You were such a great co worker and most of all a great friend. Keep a eye on all of us.

Dan Mager
Regioanl park Superintendent
Muskingum Conservancy District

Park Superintendent, Dan Mager
Muskingum Conservancy District

September 18, 2007

Jim, Its been a long time since our days at the academy. Had it not been for you, always helping me with everything we had to do, I prob. wouldn't be where I am today. Thanks for being James. I have so many memories of our days and weeks and months that we spent together in the basement of the Justice Center. Thanks again and your not forgotten.

To the Pitney Family. James and I were in the Academy together , and I know that it has been a long time, but he was a great person. A voice of reason, and so willing to put in extra time to help a young 19 year old who had no idea what I was getting into. Thanks to you and know that he will not be forgotten.

Joshua

Patrolman Joshua L. Brownson
WPD and Academy classmate

April 24, 2007

Dad -
It's coming up on four years, and I hurt worse now than after it happened. The support from your brethren in blue has been so great, and is but a reflection of the support you gave to us during your time here. I'll endeavor to serve our country in manner worthy of being called after your name. You'd be VERY proud of Joe as he's a Deputy Sheriff now. Mom's doing well, the kids are great, too. I miss you...
James

Captain James R. Pitney, Jr
United States Air Force / Son

October 19, 2006

Mr. Ptiney, I just want you to know what a great example and influence you were on some many people just not in law enforce, but in life. You had such a passion for life and the job. You are truly missed. Your family is always in our thoughts and prayers.

Ptl. John Mager
Ontario P.D. Ohio

October 5, 2006

Jim, I can`t believe you have been gone 3.5 years. It seems like yesterday. The boys and I are doing well and miss you very much. Your grandchildren are growing fast. I wish you could have met your grandsons, they are adorable. I look forward to seeing you again in Gods house. I love you, Irene

Irene Pitney Widow

June 29, 2006

Ranger Pitney,
On today, the third anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just to your community, but for our Country as well when you served in the USAF.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

December 17, 2005