Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 22, 2008

On March 22, 2006 deputy Jim McGrane was shot and killed early in the morning.

I was on my way out of town when I recieved the email over my PDA. I could not believe it. My close friend in High School was shot doing what he loved, helping others. It has been almost two years now since that fateful morning in which his parents, family, friends and the community that he served realized that they had lost a man that we all looked up to and admired. I feel so much for his family who I looked up to (Mom/Dad McGrane and Ida).

Jim, or "Jimmy" as those of us called him, was an inspiration. He was key to us winning our state basketball championship in 1985 and served as life motivator for me and so many others.

As we become adults we often grow out of our youth an put obstacles in the way of reaching for our goals and dreams. We often give up and think that our dreams have simply faded. That is not what Jimmy would accept. Jimmy kept that child like vision that anything was possible if you worked hard and put your heart and mind into it.

Few were aware that Jimmy was training to qualify and run in the Boston Marathon. He was well on his way until his life was ended by someone who clearly had lost his way. Only god can help that soul now.

Today I'm seeking to fullfill Jimmy's dream of running in a marathon and also qualify for the run he was not able to accomplish. I have been fortunate to have David Jones as a close friend and motivator cheer me on. Now it us up to me to make it happen. As I look to the first step running a marathon on June 1st, I will have the shirt that the McGrane family gave me honoring Jimmy. Jimmy, I can't wait to send a picture to that sad soul of you and I crossing the finish line together.

As I begin this journey and tribute to Jimmy, I can only think of the conversations we used have together. He always put others first, never let anyone settle, and always promoted others to fulfill their dreams. Jimmy, you have not been forgotten.

-Ed "Eddie" Abeyta, San Diego

Ed Abeyta
Friend

January 5, 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 13, 2007

To Mr and Mrs McGrane,
I wanted to drop a note to thank you for sending the wonderful gift to Renee Ullrich. As you all know she is serving in the war over in Iraq and even after all that you have been through you thought of my Sister. I remember meeting you at my Dad's Funeral. You cannot know how much that meant to all of our family. Renee and all of us are so very lucky to have you in our lives. Please try to have a great Christmas and an even better New Year, Love, Regina<<><

Regina Ullrich-Holmes
Renee's Ullrich's Sister

December 5, 2007

Ms. McGrane & Family,

Holidays can be difficult after losing a loved one. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

-Robert

Robert
Albuquerque Citizen

December 3, 2007

Hey James!
Its been awhile.. But I have thought about you a lot these days, And hope your resting peaceful. Your missed and touched by so many, and hope to see you again, Thanks for watching over our BCSO brothers and sisters, They all mean so much to me as you did. Keep them safe James! Much love!

Crystal Abeyta
Former Dispatcer BCSO #778

November 11, 2007

WE MISS YOU BRO, YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN, YOUR DEATH IS NOT IN VAIN, COPS EVERYWHERE WILL KEEP UP THE FIGHT. REST IN PEACE, WE'LL MEET AGAIN.

DEPUTY MITTER
BCSO/ PCSD

September 16, 2007

Jimmy, I wanted to wish you a happy Birthday today. We miss you with all of our hearts and know that you are watching over us now. I want to thank you for your sacrifice and am very grateful that you are watching from above. This is a very difficult day with your birthday and us missing you and that it also is 9-11 and there are a lot of people missing their loved ones. We will always remember you and the love you shared with your family.
The memorial that your parents have started is just wonderful. I am so happy that the money the receive as donations will benefit your fellow officers here in New Mexico with the "Officer Street Survival Training" that is given on the anniversery of your passing.

Debbie Wilson
cousin

September 11, 2007

I just want to not only thank you but to all law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect us. You will never be forgotten and we will make sure that justice is served. May god be with your loved ones.
Thank You from the bottom of my heart

Jennifer
Citizen of Albuquerque

August 28, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Your service, dedication and commitment will never be forgotten. We move on in rememberance of all that you have done. You will never be forgotten. Thank you from all of us who wear a badge in the name of Law Enforcment Officer representing the Land of Enchantment

Detective Matt Trujillo
Santa Fe Police

August 26, 2007

It's been over a year and still I get choked up at the beauty of you. I got to experience a love that seemed surreal. I worked at the command center when we were looking for him and the dedication, love and emotion was unreal. I will never forget how much love was flowing through this entire state (country for that matter) when you left us. All the reflections here only validate that.

I didn't have the opportunity to meet you while you served us, but I somehow feel like I did. I'd say that it surprises me at how much it affects me when I remember, but it doesn't. Your soul was a good soul and I know that God lets me know that when I remember, and that is why I feel the emotions I do.

Thank you.

Civilian
BCSO

June 6, 2007

I was sorry to hear of your passing ! It is a great loss when u lose one of your own,you all put your life on the line every day to protect us and have it taking away by some bozo who has a problem and decides to be stupid and hurt someone just because (-HE-she-they-) caused all of their own problems. I am so sorry for your loss! ONE IS 2 MANY LOSt.

Lisa
friend to many at BCSO

June 4, 2007

James represented the best of the best on the graveyard shift in the East Mountains at BCSO! His memory lives on everyday through his dedicated sacrifice to his department, his country and his family. James will forever be in our hearts and his call and watch will forever be remembered as the greatest in HISTORY! SO 251 for life! We will love you forever!!

Civilian, Christopher Redner
Son of Deputy McGrane partner

June 4, 2007

I give great thanx and honor to you and your family for the good and protection that you served in your years. The law should be held with much respect as you protect and serve the community and the state's people. It is a blessing and honor for you to grace the BCSO's family. Fairwell friend and angel, for you are blessed.

Kim Miyaki, sister-n-law of APD officer
Bernalillo County PW

June 1, 2007

I thought it appropriate to say another thank you today deputy. There will never be a time that we, the members and family of the department, will forget the job you did and the sacrifice. Thank you Jimmy. We will always love you.

May 28, 2007

Thinking of you and your family today as they celebrate Law Enforcement Memorial on the Civic plaza here. I hope your family, friends and co-workers find a smile today. I know you would be proud of your parents. They have worked so hard to ensure that others are safe while doing this job. They raised a 'good kid' and honor your memory quite well.

Rest well.

APD LEO's wife

May 11, 2007

Thank you, for your dedication and service to protecting the place I call home, there is no way I can possibly show my gratitude for your sacrifice, thank you...

Josh Hedberg
Citizen of Bernalillo County

April 26, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother.

Officer Cameron Reeves
Clovis NM Police Department

April 13, 2007

April 4, 2007

On June 4, 2006 I posted my condolences on this site. I said then that you would be my honorary sponsor as I went through the Catholic RCIA process. You have been for this entire year.

I will be baptized on Saturday April 7, 2007. I have not forgotten you. As promised, I will have your picture in my pocket as I am baptized.

I know God has blessed you in Heaven and that you have been granted many eternal rewards and been given many wonderful tasks to perform. Say hello to my daughter, Tricia Hensley Smith.

Thanks, pal, for your service to God, country and the good people of New Mexico.

I will think of you as I am standing near the alter at Jesus Good Shepherd Church in Monroe, Louisiana this Saturday night.

J. Randolph (Randy) Smith
Monroe, Louisiana
[email protected]

J. Randolph Smith
Friend

April 4, 2007

To all who have visited this website and who continue to do so, thank you. Your prayers and love have carried us through this first year without my brother. You don't see me much out in the news or at some events as you do my parents. I miss my brother so much that it's too much to handle. We were very close and spent all of our childhood and young adulthood side by side. Please continue to keep my little brother in your prayers so that he can do God's work from heaven.

Ida (McGrane) Tinguely
Sister to James McGrane, Jr.

March 25, 2007

To Jimmy, his wife, parents, sister and other family and friends:

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of Jimmy's tragic death and the day all your lives changed forever. As I read the loving reflections left by those who called Jimmy beloved, I am mindful of the journey we all struggle with as we try to make a life for ourselves...we know that is what our beloved would want us to do, but the heart always aches for the one who can only be with us in spirit for now.

I hope that you all find some peace in your heart as you hold your memories like the rare and beautiful pearls they are.

May Jimmy's spirit continue to soar and his memory continue to inspire.

Rest in Peace, Jimmy. Your valor and dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

March 23, 2007

Rest in Peace in Bro...

Patrol/SRO/GC - #3775
Sister - MI

March 22, 2007

ONE YEAR TODAY. YOUR FAMILY CONTINUES IN OUR PRAYERS.

DEPUTY McGRANE JR., NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL POLICE OFFICERS

March 22, 2007

It is hard to believe that 1 year has already passed. I have a memorial sticker on my car, and think of you every day. All my thoughts are with James' family and friends during this difficult anniversary. Stay strong.

C. Ford
Wife of retired Deputy; BCSD

March 22, 2007

It has been a year since you were so tragically taken from your friends, family and co-workers. It has been an emotional time, with the apprehension of your killer after he was assisted in his escape from justice.

Your parents have been strong in their support of future law enforcement by supporting training and helping to protect those who wish to fill your shoes in the future.

Let your death have meaning, may all who knew you in life find peace and comfort in the knowledge they will one day see you again in glory.

Rest well, warrior, your brothers and sisters in blue will carry on in your stead.

APD LEO wife

APD LEO wife

March 22, 2007