New Mexico State Police, New Mexico
End of Watch Sunday, June 4, 2006
Reflections for Patrolman James Andres Archuleta
Arch......I was going to call you today and say Happy Birthday......Scott told me.....I can not believe it man......I just talked to you the day I was going back to Baghdad........All of the things you were looking forward to, all the things we talked about, Vanessa ...your boy.......I sent you an email a couple of months ago and it came back......I will never forget you my friend.....the day we crossed the LOD we talked about and agreed to help each other famlies if one of didnt make it, now I do not know how to get in touch with Vanessa.....I am sorry buddy...I will figure a way....I will tell your boy all about you and how you were almost as good as me on the .50 haaaaa.....and how you were streaking around the hotel lobby at the ball in 02...Remember when I was dancing goofy with Vanessa....I think I danced with your cousin too...the big biker guy that looked like he was going to eat me...haaaaaa....Scott reminded me tonight about when we pushed up to Baghdad me and you were always arguing about tactics......I was pissed because your goofy ass always came up with the most logical plan 1 milisecond before I did.......oh man bro...this can not be real. You and Scott are my best friends..I will never forget our talks on the back of my hummer...or you and jeff stevens clowning around at Ad-Dayiania...you had us all in stiches....my God that was funny....How about me you and Scott running around the nuts trying to keep all the guns up.....Haaaaa....Or me putting on your PT shorts......you just cant be gone..........Happy Birthday buddy...I will always remember you...thanks for being my friend...Semper Fi Marine....we will meet again.
Sgt. Hal Simpson
Fellow Marine D. Co. 1st Plt. 4th Recon., Friend,
November 11, 2006
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I find comfort in your words and condolences. Jesse-James and I miss James terribly, but, I know he is in such a better place. Keep in mind that he saw more & lived more in his short life, than most of us will. I am forever blessed that he chose to make me a part of his life and planned to marry me. James left the greatest piece of himself behind, Jesse-James. I know I'm blessed because I get to see him smile and laugh everyday.
Veronica Archuleta
Fiancee
October 19, 2006
I remember the day before God took you home. It was at Shannon's high school graduation party - you were giving hugs and kisses to your family. You always made sure you talked to everyone. Like you told me "I have to make my presence known". Your daughter, Alexis, was there catching butterflies - she is so beautiful. Jessie James was not there but he is as handsome as you. Joe misses you deeply, especially those messages you would leave on his answering machine. The other day, we all went for a ride on the motorcycles, and we thought of you - know why - your mom and dad (Phyllis and Levie) decided to go on the truck cause they didn't have rain gear and worried it would rain. Well it didn't, and when we stopped in Tres Ritos, for a pit stop, your dad gets off the truck and said "eeeeee, James is probably calling me a pussy". We all laughed, cried and thought of other things you might have said to your mom and dad.
As each day passes, the pain of you not being here does not get easier, because you are thought of when the phone rings, when a patrol car passes, when the sun shines in the morning and when the faces of your kids are seen. What gives me comfort is that you are in Heaven with Our Lord Jesus. He chose you to be with him in His Kingdom. You were an angel here on earth and now you’re our angel in Heaven!! The memories of you will forever be in my heart. Love you………
Veronica Martinez
Cousin
September 22, 2006
James, our beloved grandson, we miss you so much! Three months have passed since you left us to be with our Lord. Your phone calls are missed every day as we remember how often you would call us from all over the world as a marine. You always kept in touch. So many stories you told as a marine. We miss hearing your voice, your laughter, your visits, always so loving. Thankyou for the beautiful memories, letters, and photos. It doesn't get easier with time, the pain of losing you is deep, and we hurt because we love and miss you so much. You have left a void in our lives. Our family gatherines are not the same.
We will never forget how proud we were when you escorted us in the church for Joseph and Katy's wedding in february. How sharp and proud you both looked in your Marine dress blues. We are so proud of your dedication to our country as a marine, and to the state of New Mexico as an officer. Your spirit lives on in the lives of your two beautiful children Alexis and Jesse James whom you loved deeply.
We hold you close in our heart where you will always remain. Rest in peace. Dear "Hijito" thanks for all you have done. "Our Hero!" We pray that on your birthday 9-10-2006 God will give you the crown you have won. We continue to pray for the military, police officers, and the families as they sacrifice. Love, Your grandparents Don and Irene Archuleta (Con mor Tus abuelitos, Adonario y Irene Archuleta
Irene Archuleta / Grandmother
Direct family to James Archuleta
September 10, 2006
JAMES, I AM VERY SORRY FOR NOT BEING THERE FOR YOU WHEN VERONICA TOLD ME WHAT HAPPENED. I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE GONE. TIL THIS DAY I CANNOT. I REMEMBER 2 WEEKS PRIOR I SPOKE TO YOU ABOUT POLICE WORK AND SO FORTH. BUT WHEN I I GOT THAT CALL FROM VERONICA I CRIED MY EYES OUT. STILL TO THIS DAY I STILL DO. I FEEL EVERTIME I GO ON THE NMSP WEBSITE TO SEE YOUR PICTURE,MY HEART HURTS PRETTY BAD.I LOST FOREVER MY LITTLE BUDDY. WHEN YOU CAME TO MY WEDDING THAT WAS THE BEST GIFT THAT GIVEN TO ME. I TOLD THAT TOO. YOU ARE A TRUE MARINE AND ABOVE ALL MY FRIEND. I MISS YOU.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN HEART. FORGIVE ME FOR NOT BEING THERE. STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT. LOVE YOU BRO JOEY
POLICE OFFICER JOE TERRASI
BROTHER/MARINE/FRIEND
September 3, 2006
Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9. "Semper Fi"
Daniel
Citizen
August 29, 2006
Archuleta Family,
It's great to be able to look back at the fun times and laughs we had in boot camp. Although I was not stationed with James after boot camp, he will never be forgotten! Wishing your family the best during this tragic time of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you......THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Semper Fi / 5811
Greg Burgess / Motor Division
Oro Valley Police Department, AZ
July 27, 2006
To the Archuletta Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. An unfortunate incident occurred and just know that he is with all of us during our watch.
Officer Justin Fedric
New Mexico State Police
July 21, 2006
Peace be with you always...
Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of Detective Jared Jensen EOW 2/22/06
July 15, 2006
Archie, you were a great friend. I am so sorry to hear of your passing. I will never forget your love for life and your unending spirit. To this day, Angie and I talk about how much fun we had with you in Okinawa. I will never forget that contagious laugh of yours. You were one in a million, my friend. God bless you and your family.
Shawn
SSG Shawn Hussey
1186th MP Company
July 10, 2006
Archie, I just found out that God called you to heaven . I remember the last night we went out before i got out of the Marines we had a Great time brother i will always remember you. May God bless you and your family and may you watch over your Brothers in the Marines and your Brothers and Sisters in Blue ... Semper FI Brother !!
Your GOOD Friend "Zeus"
Detective Jesus Bonilla
NYPD (Narcotics)
July 10, 2006
This year has not been the best for New Mexico Law Enforcement, but sheer determination and a strong faith in God and justice keep us moving forward. May God be with you and your family. Rest easy, we'll take it from here.
DBI
Albuquerque PD
July 8, 2006
God Speed to you. May God look over you and your family. You are one of the few who are a hero every time you go to work. Thank you for your hard work and your ultimate sacrifice for your community. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Beth and Shelby Gillett
Los Lunas New Mexico
July 1, 2006
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Patrolman Archuleta, especially to his fiancee. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.
From reading the reflections left for James, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember James' life and the MAN that he was. Remember that James' life was about so much more than the way he died. James will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.
Patrolman Archuleta, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
"Forever Remembering 26-3"
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
June 28, 2006
Thank you for your service.
Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol
June 28, 2006
Rest in peace James. May you send comfort to your family and everyone who loves you. Unfortunately, I know all to well the pain your family and especially your fiancee is feeling. I lost my fiancee on-duty almost 4 years ago. You will always be loved and NEVER forgotten. God Bless you and your family.
Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit
officerdownsignificantothers
June 25, 2006
Rest easy brother...we have the watch now.
Trooper
FHP
June 21, 2006
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family, he will be included in my prayers.
Mildred Santistevan
distant cousin from Wyoming
June 20, 2006
I never had the privilege of meeting Ofc Archuleta, but I know the type of man he was. As both a former Marine and current police officer myself, I know the calibre of person it takes to have successfully obtained both titles. On May 25th of this year my department lost an officer, and I lost a good friend, Cpl Jason Makowski, so I know the hard times being faced by family and friends of James. I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to those of you that knew James personally, and leave you all with the following thought.
When I graduated from boot camp I had one of my drill instructors tell me that "There will be wars and Marines will die...but as a Marine you will never die, that you will always live on as the Corps carries on". As a police officer James was a member of not one but two special fraternities.....The Marine Corps & the New Mexico State Police. James will always be with us in the name of both.
SEMPER FI!!
Cpl VanValkenburgh
USMCR 1/24 H&S Co.
CPL. Keith VanValkenburgh
Dearborn Heights Police Dept. Mich.
June 19, 2006
As a family member, my reflections on James are as follows: Losing James is devastating, a 'real' loss to humanity! James was a remarkable man who accomplished remarkable tasks in his brief life. His character was reflected in his accomplishments and in his ability to be warm, welcoming, friendly, helpful and very loving and caring. He never met a stranger - the whole world was his family! Along with his intelligence, ambition and drive, he possessed an indomitable spirit - he could do anything and everything but most of all he cared deeply for his family, our family, and he went above and beyond to share his love unselfishly! James: Thank you for all your loving thoughts, words and deeds for my beloved Mother Alexina Serna. May your rewards in heaven be a reflection of your admirable deeds on earth.
MaryAnn Woods
Aunt-in-Law, about to be
June 19, 2006
Archuleta you were a great friend, loving father and one hard corp Marine. The great times we had in Okinawa,Japan drinking, working, scuba diving, and cliff jumping will never be forgotten. You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless brother.
Semper FI
SSgt Trevor Wallner
United States Marine Corps
June 16, 2006
SEMPER FI WARRIOR
State Trooper D Osborne /K-9 Coco
Tennessee Highway Patrol
June 15, 2006
God Bless you and your family.They will be in our thoughts and prayers.Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the children of God.
TFC Cuddington
Georgia State Patrol
June 15, 2006
Patrolman James Archuleta is a true hero. I read the reflections from his family and it touched me so. You will always be remembered as a hero. You gave your life protecting those around you. God's Kingdom is full of peace where you now are on your new beat. We will all meet there one day. Thank you for what you did for all of us. We never forget. To your family I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. James now looks down upon all of you with a big smile. Each time the sun rises, each time you look up at the stars at night he will be there. He will be that one bright star that catches your eye. I know that you miss him but remember he will always be there with you. Peace and God bless to all of you.
First Sergeant
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, VA
June 15, 2006
YOUNG MEN GONE BEFORE THEIR TIME. LOUISVILLE METRO POLICE OFFICER, PETER, WAS ALSO 27 AND WILL BE FOREVER 27. FOREVER LOVED. FOREVER MISSED. FOREVER REMEMBERED.
MAY ALL THE FAMILY, FELLOW OFFICERS AND FRIENDS OF JAMES FIND PEACE AND STRENGTH IN THE PRAYERS OFFERED IN YOUR SUPPORT.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
DAD DONALD GRIGNON
FATHER OF PETER ALAN GRIGNON
June 15, 2006
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