Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state. 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.

Lori, I know this is a difficult day for you and all of your daddy's loved ones. The hurt of losing our beloved officers never goes away. The pain and pride are forever.
You and your family are in my heart's embrace today. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss James, and pray that his son-in-law recovers well from his recent bike injury.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 11, 2009

Hey Dad! I know you were rolling your eyes and shaking your head when you saw your son-in-law yesterday! Once we knew he was okay except for the broken arm, we had to laugh at what we knew you would've said. Remember it was his idea to get a motorcycle in the first place, then to lay it down in a curve and re-break the same arm that was shot and took 8 surgeries to put back together! He's just hoping they won't have to do more surgery to fix it this time. While we were waiting in the ED, I giggled and told him I was sure his guardian angel was up there filling out a transfer request! He is a full-time job all by himself~ forget the fact we have 5 children! I wish I could've ridden bikes with you. Your brother told me you had a BMW motorcycle when I was young. Maybe that's why I took to riding so easily, and really enjoy it...too bad Jeremy's riding days are over for now at least- he says he's done for good, but we'll see. Keep watching over us~ we love and miss you, and still talk about you everyday, quoting your old sayings and what you would do or say even now. Good night, Daddy. I love you.

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Baby Girl

October 27, 2009

Brother James,
Please take care of Sgt. Hutchens as we know you will. You all are probably too busy praising God from whom all blessings flow right about now. Know that you are loved and missed dearly. We will continue to pray and fight the good fight of faith until He calls us home. Please ask The Lord to send us some peace in a few weeks. We still need it.

Trooper
NCSHP

October 15, 2009

Daddy,
My heart breaks tonight as we add another name to the list of fallen officers in Forsyth County. Sgt. Mickey Hutchins with the Winston-Salem PD died tonight after being shot in the face last Wednesday morning, 5 days ago. I know you were there to greet him home, along with all the wonderful officers you are keeping the beat with up there. I just pray for his family, especially his 21 year old daughter, Leah, whom I've bonded with the most. We were both our daddy's baby girls, and we both lost our daddy's in evil and totally preventable ways. Neither of you should've had to die this way. I have felt you watching over me as I have spent countless hours with the family of Sgt. Hutchins, at the same hospital we lost you in. I can't believe how close we are to the 5th anniversary of your loss. I miss you so much, and events like these just bring it right back. Now we have to go through another Line of Duty funeral, add a name and picture to our display and t-shirts, and support another hurting family. I wish there would be no more. I love you, Daddy. I wish you were still with me, and I hope I make you proud. You always made me proud, and you still do. I remember once, not long after you died, I was telling Jeremy how people tend to put their deceased loved ones on a pedistool, but I had you on one long before you passed away. Still do. Good night, Daddy.
Always, Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

October 12, 2009

I have been reading all the reflections that say you will never be forgotten James. They are not just words. You truly are thought of all the time and your spirit lives within those who knew and loved you.

A Friend
FCSO

September 4, 2009

Happy Birthday, Daddy! You have been on my mind all day...well, more than usual as I have been thinking about past birthdays. I have the pictures to remember them by, just wish I still had you. I'd love to plant a big kiss on your cheek and fuss about you not shaving as you rub your face against mine. It hasn't really been that long ago since the last time you did that.
Well, this morning you welcomed another long-time friend home. I'm sure you were there, with Reba, to see Terry Idol to the other side. That's 2 neighbors of ours in the last week we've lost, including Jewel Vance. Heaven must be a really great place 'cause so many are going there! I miss you so much, and Uncle Bill. I know when my time comes, you and he will be be there to welcome me home, too. I ask Jesus to tell you that I love you, so I'm sure you know. A friend once told me that "the veil between us and them is very thin," meaning that you and I really aren't that far apart. Sometimes I know you see me and I feel your presence. Love really does live on, love never fails.
I remember you telling me that you weren't looking forward to turning 60, that you didn't want a party for that birthday...you never did. You will be "forever 59!" Happy Birthday, anyway! I love you always and forever~
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

August 13, 2009

James,

We are still thinking of you. You my friend will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

August 2, 2009

I Love You Brother James. Aaron James will be here soon Lord willing. I'll be sure to tell him what you meant to us all when he gets old enough. Have a great time walking the streets of gold praising God all the time. We got it down here with The Lord's help.

Trooper
NCSHP

July 1, 2009

Pearl,
Even though we haven't been in contact since last year in Rocky Mount, I do think of you. Hope you are healing some - at least enough to enjoy what you can in life the way it is now. Rely on the Lord and those around you who support you. You are in my prayers and James is not forgotten!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor

May 28, 2009

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on Police Officer Memorial Day, May 15th. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones.

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

May 15, 2009

You Sir are a true AMERICAN HERO...

Patrolman
Oklahoma

May 4, 2009

Hey Daddy! Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and missing you. Sometimes the missing you part gets really tough. We went to watch Josh and Jordan ride dirtbikes at a motorcross track on Sunday and I got teary thinking of how you'd love watching them. I know dirtbikes weren't your thing, but you'd just love watching the boys do something they really enjoy. Then with Katie's birthday today. She is 8 years old now, and the last birthday you spent with her was when she turned 3. I remember so well how much you adored her, and she loved her Daddo. Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair. Of course there isn't anything fair about how you left us, but I'm reminded that God is in control. He knew the day you were born that on 11/11/04 you'd leave this world for eternal life with Him. When I heard the song by Garth Brooks last week, "The Dance," I thought about how the pain is worth all the love and laughter we shared all those years. I never would've missed the dance. It just makes me miss you that much more! Thanks for having been the kind of dad that makes me miss you so much. I love you, sooooo much! Keep watching over us...I want to know you can see your grandbabies and watch them grow!
Always and Forever,
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

April 22, 2009

Dear Lori,

Thank you so much for writing on Matt's page....it always brightens my day and heart for someone to take the time to write Matt's name and remember him even if you did not "know" him before. I immediately came to your dad's page to reread what happened and felt the overwhelming love and strength that I did when I first read about the events of that horrible day. What an amazing father, husband, and grandfather.

How blessed you are to have your sons! Our Matt was right in the middle of his two sisters....and while we keep him in the middle of everything we still do, we do it with a broken heart and an ache and longing for him that will never be filled until we are all back together. Your Matt will be a wonderful officer, it is a special calling for very special men.

Much Love to you and your family,
Our deepest honor and respect to your dad and his life.

Linda Rittenhouse
Always Matt's Mom

February 16, 2009

Hi Daddy! I was thinking about you on my way into work tonight...nothing different from the usual, I think about you every day. But tonight I was thinking about how much I miss you because you were such a great Daddy. You were so full of life, so full of love for your family. You were fun to be around, and no one could tell a joke like you! I loved hearing your stories about work, old friends and growing up. You had some unique experiences! You were such a big part of my everyday life, and life will never be the same again. I miss bringing breakfast to the shop and eating at the "Bojangles overflow dining" with you and Teddy. I miss running errands with you or for you, like when I'd be in Winston and call to see if you needed me to pick up anything on my way back. I miss everything about you, but sometimes I can feel you near, smiling down. Thank you for being such a wonderful dad, which makes me miss you all the more. Keep watching over us, especially my babies and Jeremy. I love you, Daddy.
Missing you always,
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

February 13, 2009

I don't know who Dad's "FCSO Friend" is, but you don't know how much you touch my heart. Dad was such a unique, wonderful person and I don't want him to ever be forgotten.
Thank you for helping us keep his memory alive. God bless you!

Dad, today is Michael's birthday. Touch his heart as only you can; he has such a special soul and he still loves his Daddy and misses you so much. We all do. Continue to watch over us, allowing us to feel your presence sometimes. Keep a watchful eye over your beloved FCSO...I never want to see another name on the wall.

I love you and miss you, and only you and God know how much.
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

December 6, 2008

I was talking about you the other day to someone you know very well. We were laughing and remembering and talking as if you were right there next to us. Then we realized that you were. It made us smile even more.

A Friend
FCSO

December 4, 2008

Thinking of you today and all of your loved ones. Thank you for such a long and dedicated career to law enforcement. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

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

November 11, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this forth 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

November 11, 2008

Brother James,
We had a spirit filled service today in Church. When we got home to pray over the meal you came to my heart and the holy spirit touched again. I cried and gave thanks to The Lord. We prayed for this week to be peaceful and that The Lord would touch all those still affected. Even though we might not always understand why sometimes, our Faith in The Lord always carries us through. We Love You and We Miss You.
We will continue to pray and work hard knowing that our prize awaits us in Heaven. Thank You for everything my brother in Christ and Law Enforcement.

Joshua 1:9

Trooper
NCSHP

November 9, 2008

Hi Daddy! By now, I'm sure you and Uncle Bill have been enjoying a wonderful reunion! He left us Friday night, 10/10/08 at 7:25pm. I was reminded that on that very night thirty years ago, I was with Uncle Bill and Aunt Brenda as you and mom were at the hospital when Teddy was born. What a birthday for him! We sat at their house until after the funeral home had taken his body and Hospice had left. The house was full and so many were there to show love and concern for both Uncle Bill and Aunt Brenda. The last time I saw him alive was Thursday, the day before he died. As he struggled for each breath, I told him how much I loved him and would miss him, but that when he went to heaven, I'd have two wonderful men watching over me. I told him how he could be with you, Mawmaw, and most of all, Jesus! Then I sang the song I have sang to him several times over the last year, May the circle be unbroken. It was hard to sing it that time, knowing it'd be the last, but it was even harder to leave him, knowing I'd never see him alive again on earth. But he struggled so hard those last few days that it would've been wrong to pray for him to stay. It was a blessing that he finally quit fighting and let go of this world. But I do miss him. He was the closest thing to a dad that I had left. Although he wasn't a substitute for you, he had stepped in to support me and be there for me anytime I needed him. Now all I have of both you brothers are memories. But I thank God for those. I thank him that you were my daddy, my friend and my protector. I thank him that I was blessed with an uncle who took his masonic duties to heart to support the "orphans" although I don't exactly qualify! I know one day that circle will be unbroken, and the way this crazy world is going, it may be sooner than later that the Lord comes to call us home. I'm ready. I hope you keep a watch over me, Jeremy, our children and all those you loved. Pray for us, since you have a direct contact, face to face! I love and miss you so much...always and forever!
All my love,
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

October 16, 2008

James,

There is a point in everyone's life that changes them. It may be something they see or do. It may be something that is said or heard. As the blur of police work goes by, we see so much and do so much, we sometimes don't stop to "see" until that point catches us and changes us.

I can tell you that Nov 11, 2004 was a day that changed me. I live many miles from you and did not know you. But what changed me was what I read and heard. It was a story about you and your family.

Your actions are what I can only hope to have the courage to do if my time comes, but is not what changed me. It is your family. They love you and miss you and you made them strong before you left. You raised them to love God and each other and be a family through think and thin. n You raised them the way I wanted to raise my family.

That is what changed in me. I want to be like you, not for your actions in police work, but your actions in family work. This is what life is about.

Thank you for giving me an example of what I should be, not what I was.

God Speed My Hero....

With Much Respect and Continued Prayer for you family.....

Anonymous

August 30, 2008

Brother James,
Well, The Lord called another Trooper home recently. We will pray for his family down here if you guys can hang tight together and rejoice in God's love in Heaven. We Love You and we miss you!!!

Joshua 1:9

Trooper
NC State Highway Patrol

August 5, 2008

Daddy,
Just a note to let you know I love you so much it hurts, and miss you more than you could imagine. Sometimes I need my Daddy so bad, and wish I could have you with me again. Uncle Bill is sick and in the hospital again. When I visited him tonight, he cried, and said he wished you were here with him. I reminded him you were with us, that I believe God gives you a window to see those you love. I also reminded him that you died in the very hospital he is in now. He said he'd been treated in the room next to the one you were in, and remembered it well. Time is supposed to make the pain better, but not a day goes by that I don't think of you, and even some aspect of 11/11/04. When I see the time 11:11 on the clock, I pause and pray for you. I don't have any regrets about our time together; you knew how much I loved you, how much I cherished being your baby girl, and there was no doubt in my mind that you loved me dearly, and you were proud of me. I always want to make you proud of me. My main goal is to live my life so that when it's time for me to go home, I can go to where you are. Uncle Bill says he's ready when the Lord calls him, but "not tomorrow." He doesn't want to leave his family. I'm sure you didn't want to either, but you weren't given a choice. Uncle Bill knows he's on borrowed time and can get ready; you were young, healthy, strong and full of life when yours was stolen. Before I left him tonight, we held hands and prayed, and sang "may the circle be unbroken." Someday, that circle will be complete again.
Baby James is growing and absolutely precious! He proudly says his full name when asked, "I'm Dames Donson!" I showed him you picture and asked him "who is that" to which he said "I don't know." I said "That's James Johnson, your Daddo!" He said "Oh! Dames Daddo!" You two would have been best buddies! He looks like you did as a baby, short and cute, with a protruding belly. And he loves to eat! I hope you do get to watch him from Heaven, and I promise he will know how wonderful his grandfather and namesake was. All your grandbabies miss their Daddo.
I love you always,
Your Baby Girl

Lori Johnson Rowley
His Daughter

July 26, 2008

Hey Baby,

Sometimes it is hard to believe you are truly gone. It crosses my mind - how I wish you were just out on a call. I love you and miss you - words cannot express the way I feel. NC lost another officer, but I am sure you know that. I trust you were there to welcome Trooper Blanton. If you could put in a word with God to spare baby Tye Blanton, If it is according to his will. This wife and mother has suffered enough.
Sweetheart, yesterday we had my family reunion. Even though it has been three years, you are talked about and missed. We went to the park just below Buddy's. The last time we were there together we were in the T-Bird you loved so much. Well, I am fixing the T-Bird, it will not leave the family. It will be used by our grandsons I'm sure.
You know, all I have left now are memories and pictures of your smile. Your family is growning and doing great, so am I. I think you would be proud. I love you.

Pearl Johnson
wife and life-time partner

June 30, 2008

So many thoughts & memories go through my head when I try and think of what to write to you. Then I realize that the important thing is to let you and your family know that all of you are constantly thought about, loved and admired. I miss you.

Friend
FCSO,NC

June 25, 2008