Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brother James,
I know that you were always the one helping me out there but one more favor to ask of you. Could you please take care of Trooper D.S. Blanton Jr. for us?
For the first time I looked at your picture and smiled because I knew that you had already welcomed Trooper Blanton with open arms just as the Lord would.
God Bless You and know that we are still hanging tough and praying hard as always! We Love You Brother!

Trooper
NCSHP

June 19, 2008

Daddy,
We have had a busy week! Last Thursday, we traveled to Rocky Mount for the NC State Law Enforcement Memorial Service which was held on Friday morning. Then on Monday, we held the Opening Ceremony for the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Memorial Week; left Tuesday morning for Washington DC and attended the Candle Light Vigil at the NLEOMF memorial. Just Jeremy, Josh, Katie and I went, toured a few monuments and then went back for the Candle Light Vigil. It was beautiful as always. This was Katie's first visit and she was so full of awe and wonder. It is fun seeing things through the eyes of a 7 year old little girl! During the candle-lighting and song (You Raise Me Up) she started crying and saying she missed you and wanted you to come back home. She said you'd been in Heaven long enough and wanted to come back to see her! How precious~ your baby granddaughter still remembers and loves her Daddo. We drove home Wednesday, and stopped by to see Mike. He looked great and seemed to really enjoy our visit. On Thursday, we went to the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Memorial Service at Pinedale Christian Church. It was the best service we've done so far. Ted and Lynnette played their horns as people were coming in and did a great job. I was so proud of them! So many of your friends were there, and it was great to see them and know you are still remembered, loved and missed. I prayed that God would allow a window from Heaven so that you could look down and see what a fitting service it was and all those who attended. I am so proud to be your daughter~ that is a blessing that no one can take away and time can't erase. I miss you everyday, and long to hear your sweet voice, feel your arms hugging me and know that you are near. Another place, Another time. I can't thank you enought for all you did for me, but most of all, for giving me the reassurance that you loved Jesus and because of that, we'll be together again- next time will be forever!
I love you, forever and always!
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

May 15, 2008

Lori,

Hope you guys are doing fine. Just sitting at work and thinking of you all. Miss you and hope you are resting now.
James, Miss you!!!!

A FRIEND
FCSO

May 1, 2008

To Lori and her beloved father:

Today I decided to visit your reflection page to get some idea of where your family was in the trial process. From our own personal experience, I know what a strangle hold the impending trial can have on the lives of everyone impacted by your brutal and senseless murder.

Lori, the beautiful poem you posted for your Dad left me in tears. How blessed you were to have this wonderful man as your father, and how you must ache for him. He will always watch over you and embrace you in his circle of love which no bullet can penetrate.

Your Dad is eternally on watch.

Best regards to all of your family.

Phyllis Loya
mother of Larry Lasater
eow 4/24/05

March 25, 2008

Hi Daddy!
I've wanted to write you for a week now, but just haven't had the time alone to collect my thoughts. In a sense, it's over. There was no trial, no jury, no media. Just 2 hours in the courtroom with a judge, assistant DA, defense attorney, the assailant, and lots of friends and family. I looked at him, and thought how different he looks now. It crossed my mind that his was the last face you saw, but it wasn't. It was Mom's. At least you have that. He pled guilty, but showed no emotion. He never looked at any of us. He just sat, scrunched down in his chair, wearing a prison jumpsuit and shackles, looking old and grey. Cowardly. Like I said in my victim's impact statement, we will never have answers to our questions (Why???) or true justice until we get to Heaven. You were there in the courtroom, I know. I felt your presence. I felt Jesus holding me, too. I wish I could see you, could have watched your face as Teddy's victim's impact statement was read. Ted couldn't read it for the emotion it evoked, so the assistant district attorney read it for him, and he cried. I'm glad it's over, but now what? He goes away for the rest of his life. But he stole the rest of your life. And Reba's. And Dwight's. Almost Jeremy's. For what? The badge on your chest in this picture is now on your son's uniform each day. Watch over him, ask God to keep him safe so that after every shift he can go home to little James and Lynnette. Watch over Jeremy so that he keeps coming home to me and the children.
Now we start a new chapter in our lives. Officially, anyway. Now that there is no longer an active murder case, we can talk about the events, but they are so awful, so painful. We had to begin our lives without you over 3 years ago, so we just keep going now. Without you. But you are never far from our thoughts. There are so many things that remind me of you; thank you for being such a good daddy! It only makes me miss you more, but I wouldn't take anything for the memories.
We cleaned out Jeremy's patrol car today. His blood is still on the door and trunk; I'm just so thankful that it wasn't his life's blood- it came so close to being just that. It is so amazing that he survived- nothing short of a miracle. We took pictures of all the bullet holes in the metal of his car and the broken glass. We took pictures of your patrol Tahoe, too. It is going up for auction soon and Matthew wants to get it. He wants to use it for bloodhound team training just like you did. He misses you too, and wants something that you had and enjoyed. I remember how much you liked that truck, being unmarked and yet full of blue lights. You thought you were slick! You were so cute, with that mischievous grin and twinkle in your eye! It seems like you were just here..."273 to the office, 10-41..." We found a report you wrote when you stopped and helped a stranded motorist on your way home. You gave it to Jeremy to turn in, but he didn't get to before the shooting. Does that person remember you, the friendly deputy that helped out without ever getting a paycheck for it? Does he know he was likely the last person you stopped to help out before being killed? God knows, He remembers, and I'm sure your efforts have been rewarded..."well done, thou good and faithful servant."
I'm thankful for the strength I've been given to get through this, and I look forward to what God has planned for me next. Jeremiah 29:11 has become my "life verse" that I remind myself of frequently. One day at a time.
Thank you for all you did, all you gave, all you loved. I don't have any regrets, you died knowing how much I loved you and I know someone who loves me very much is watching over me with Jesus from Heaven. One day, I'll be there too. May the circle be unbroken, by and by, Lord, by and by. There's a better home awaiting, in the sky, Lord, in the sky.
I heard another song the other day that made me think of you. As your body was in the casket, your face didn't look like you, but your hands did. Even Teddy noticed that. That's why this song means so much.

I remember Daddy´s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy´s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I´ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I´ll always remember the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

I remember Daddy´s hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I´d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love .....
In Daddy´s hands.

I love you, Daddy. I will miss you every day until we are together again.
Always,
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

March 16, 2008

Today they sentenced the person that did this to you and your family. With that said, rest in peace. I have grown to know and love your family and I know they miss you very much. You will never be forgotten.

Star Wolfe
FCSO Communications

March 10, 2008

Brother James,
I was just thinking about you and what a hero you were to our country and Forsyth County. I know that I am never alone out there on the highway! God Bless You Brother and Thank You again for your service and sacrifice!!!

NC Trooper
NCSHP

February 24, 2008

Mrs Johnson, Lori and all of my Hero's family,

I know words do not and cannot ever express our true feeling, but James was a hero to more than he knew or anyone can truly know. He has touched thousands of lives and he continues to touch us. He will NEVER be forgotten.

The love your family has is incredible. I pray that Jesus continues to give you strength. Know that Jesus gave him the strength to preform such an incredible and selfless act to save other before himself.

God Bless all of you.....

January 23, 2008

Daddy, I love this song, and I can picture you flying to Jesus to live...


Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!


I love you, Daddy

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

January 6, 2008

Daddy,
We are starting another year without you. It's hard to imagine how much things have changed since that last morning you awakened, left for work, went through your day and came home for the evening, only to lose your life. And now it's 2008. I miss you still, so much. You were such a beautiful person, and were so loved by so many. I drove by CVS this afternoon and thought about how that was the last stop on your way home that evening, and you had ran into Eddie Cox. He told me at your funeral how you and he had talked about getting older and "going home"- how soon you did! And now he's gone home too. I thought of how you two are up there now, not just running into each other as old friends, but together, watching over us and praising the Lord! Isn't it funny that you two were groaning about getting old, and neither of you did!
Keep watching over us~ Matthew is driving now, MaryAnne is learning how (she REALLY needs watching over!!!) Jordan is planning to get his permit this summer (we'll see about that!) and I'm planning to stick my head in the sand so I don't have to watch! Josh is doing great in school and Katie is still a princess. They all miss you...we all do!

I love you, Daddy. Happy New Year...
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

January 2, 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

December 26, 2007

Merry Christmas, Daddy! Just wanted to let you know you are being remembered tonight and throughout the Season. Lynnette made "potato candy" like you used to and it was good! I remember you making it and telling us you were making memories~ how right you were! Just know we love and miss you...Love, your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

December 24, 2007

Lori,

Thank you for writing on my husband Larry's page. What you wrote about Cody asking "daddy...where" brought tears to my eyes.

I am so sorry for your entire family. I know how difficult the holidays are and my thoughts will be with all of you. It sounds like your father was an incredible husband, father, grandfather,brother and hero.

Bless you during Christmas and always

Jo Ann Lasater
Wife of Officer Larry Lasater, EOW 4/24/05

December 2, 2007

Today I decorated the exterior of my home for Christmas with all blue lights. One of those lights will be lit every night from tonight until New Years in your memory to honor you for being the hero that you are. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 25, 2007

In loving memory of Sgt. James M. Johnson FCSO EOW 11-11-04

Hey Baby,

It is hard to believe it has been three years since you were torn away from me and your family. I miss you and think of you everyday. I am so very sorry your last moments on this earth were so horrible. It breaks my heart to think of what you must have been thinking and I know you wondered 'why'. You had a look on your face of disbelief. Baby I am so glad I was there at your side for your last moments. You tried to speak but I wouldn't let you, now I wish I knew what you wanted to say. I am thankful you knew I was beside you, and could tell you how much I love you and that God loves you.

You will never know how lonely it is without my High School Sweetheart!!! Honey, your lost has been so hard on our children. They are having a difficult time moving on with life. I hear of so many young officers killed in the line of duty and they leave little ones behind. At least God left you here long enough to raise our children, and allowed you to see five of your grandchildren. I an sorry you never got to see Baby James. He is just as precious as the others.

Baby, I thank you everyday for saving our eleven year old grandson's life and ultimately my life. I am just so sorry you had to pay the supreme price. But God knows what he is doing, he doesn't make mistakes, no matter how bad it hurts. I know you are in a better place now. I know someday I will see you again. One of the most difficult things I had to do was to tell our little Mike that his Daddy wasn't coming back. Honey, you know how his little mind works, at a three year old level he just can't understand. He ask me if I buried Daddy, I told him the Angels came and took Daddy to heaven. I was beside you when you took your last breath and fully believe the Bible when it says to be absent from this earth is to be in the presence of the Lord. But Mike can't picture heaven and wants his Daddy back. Mike has been so depressed and physically ill that he has spent the last 11 months in Baptist hospital. It would break your heart to see him now.

We were all so proud of you when you graduated from BLET, even if you were the oldest man in the class. Hey, knowledge comes with age. You worked so hard for your degree and every rank you received. You were a great officer, there will never be another James Johnson.



Honey, you are missed by FCSO after approximately 15 years. Your Bloodhound team folded after your death, no one had the heart to continue. The other day I found a picture of you in your uniform as a young officer with the Kernersville PD. You were holding our newborn baby, boy, that wasn't yesterday. I know how much you hated leaving the KPD after only a couple of years, but we had another baby on the way and you needed to make a change. That was when you started the automobile business. You gave Kernersville 30 years of auto repair service. Your costumers miss you even now.

Baby, I love you and wish we had the opportunity to grow old together, but God has greater plans for you. I know you are in God's hand, and he is caring for your family in your absence.

Your loving wife,

Pearl Via Johnson

Pearl Johnson
wife

November 24, 2007

Lori
how are you I keep coming to this page and I just remeber what a good man your father was.

jeff taylor
nephew

November 22, 2007

Always in my thoughts. Always in my heart.

A Friend
FCSO

November 14, 2007

Daddy,
Today was your third anniversary in Heaven. We were driving by the hospital tonight about the same time that you were in surgery that night, and I can still feel that pain. I remember the chaos, the fear, the disbelief, and the shock. Looking back at only one set of footprints in the sand, I know even now, Jesus continues to carry me. I listened to the song, "Rise Again" tonight. It always makes me cry. I can see you sitting across the bed upstairs just a few months before you died, singing that with me, and tears rolling across your cheeks. It made me cry then, but now, they are tears of joy, just knowing you are with Jesus because you loved Him. I don't have to wonder where you are. I am so thankful for that.
I miss you, I love you, and I look forward to our reunion in Heaven. Goodnight, God bless you and I love you, Daddo!
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

November 11, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this 3rd anniversary of your being called away from duty. I know not a day has passed during the past 3 years that they have not thought of you or cried some silent tears of love in your memory. You will never be forgotten by those that truly love you. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 11, 2007

On the three year anniversary of your passing, you are remembered and a special prayer goes out to your family.

Craig Figgins
Brother - SGT Dan Figgins St Charles, IL EOW 4/9/05

November 11, 2007

James,
It has been 3 years now, but it just feels like yesterday. You are missed and loved by many. Carry on, brother!

FCSO friend

November 11, 2007

To the James Johnson Family remembering you today and always. You will never be forgotten.
Alot has changed since you were taken from your family but I know that you are so proud of them.
Lori you know my heart goes out to you and all your family. I am so proud of you for being so strong. Always here for you.
Love to all of you

Star Wolfe /Dispatcher
FCSO

November 11, 2007

You are remembered today and thank youSir for your service, the reflections left by individuals certainly speak of what an inspiration you were. You are a true hero just by the profession you chose.

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH

November 5, 2007

I met your son-in-law last week and learned of your incident. God bless you for watching over him during his battle with your assailant. I have viewed your reflections and can tell from the readings that you are deeply missed. Continue to protect your family and friends as they grieve for your loss and be that first shining star they see at night.

God Bless You and Your Family...

John
Joliet P.D.

October 29, 2007

Brother James,
I was just thinking about you and what your days in heaven are like. Hopefully stress free! I love you brother and we will keep fighting the good fight until we can see you again. Tell my loved ones up there I said hello.

Trooper B.P. Daniels
NCSHP

October 26, 2007