Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Best supervisor I ever had great family man treated all his deputies like sons

Deputy Riddle
Val Verde county sheriff’s

July 2, 2023

I still miss you.

anonymous
anonymous

June 11, 2023

I miss you El Tea. Some of us will never forget.

Sgt.
Val Verde SO

December 24, 2021

5 grand kids, youngest about to get married, entire family close to God. You were a success at life.

anonymous
anonymous

April 28, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 30, 2020

The best uncle. I have many. The first person to expose me to stock car racing. My Dad’s brother. He loved building race cars.

Nephew

March 28, 2018

On this 10 year anniversary, I am reminded of all those that loved him as a supervisor, and fellow officer. I am comforted by the lovely things said by all those whom lives he touched, as well as those around the world that have left messages for him, and our family. The BLUE runs deep, may God bless you all, and keep you safe.

J. Sunderland, widow
Sunderland family

July 1, 2016

Rest in Peace Lt. James Lee Sunderland Sr.. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of Val Verde County, Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

June 30, 2016

I am truely sorry for your loss....rip

Civilan Maranda Nelson

June 6, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

As of today, almost eight years since your death, the driver has never gone to trial. An officer has died, a father to my kids, and the love of my life is gone, but yet the driver walks free with no punishment.

Mrs. J. Sunderland
Widow of Lt. J. SunderlandSr.

June 1, 2014

Miss you so much, and know you would be proud of how the kids have turned into wonderful adults. As all of us widows must deal with, the life goals being reached without the lost parent seems so overwhelming, but knowing you are watching from above helps somewhat. I have to continuously remind them, "What would your father do?" Rest in peace my dear, you have earned it.

Mrs. J. Sunderland
Widow of Lt. J. SunderlandSr.

June 1, 2014

Thinking of you today. I was going through some pictures of you and they guys.
I visited your grave last month, but I know you aren't there.
You are up in heaven racing and watching over us.
We will always miss you Lt.
Danica Nava

Former Deputy Sheriff Val Verde Co.
Former Val Verde Co. Deputy

April 12, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

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

December 17, 2012

Another year has passed since you were called away and the pain is still in the hearts of those that love you dearly and will always be there as that wound never seems to heal. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. You will never be forgotten.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." From a Headstone in Ireland

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

June 30, 2012

What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind…
William Wordsworth

J.Sunderland
Widow of Lt. Sunderland

June 27, 2012

Well dad, I think you would be very proud of me. I'm currently studying to become an EMT. The studying is hard but it will eventually pay off. You always taught me to never give up. Eventually I'll become a paramedic. Things haven't been the same since you've been gone. So many things have changed. I still need your help from time to time. Jimmy is doing great as a dad, though I know that even he has some questions about it that only you can answer. I miss you every day dad. Take care and watch over us all.

Jeremy Sunderland
Son

June 12, 2011

My dearest friend, it pains me to know that the person responsible has never gone on trial for your death and the near death of our son. But I know that one day he will have to stand before the Lord in judgment for his life on earth. Every day I look at your pictures and wish you were still here but must settle for only memories and the knowledge that one day we will be joined together again, in heaven. Watch over us and keep us safe til then my love.

J. Sunderland
Widow of Lt. Sunderland

March 14, 2011

I AM VERY SADDENED TO READ THIS. LT.SUNDERLAND AND I WORKED MANY HOURS TOGATHER AND I FEEL HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST OFFICERS I HAVE EVER KNOWN. HE WAS TRULEY A OFFICER THAT MADE THE BADGE MEAN SOMETHING TO ME. GOD BLESS YOU L. T. THE WORLD WILL NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU!!!!!!

TONY PARKER
FORMER DEPUTY

January 18, 2011

hey daddy, im going to new york the day after tomorrow. i get to go see your name on the wall in washington too. im really excited. i must say christmas wasnt the same...it never is but all in all we still get together to be with each other which is what i know you wouldve wanted. you know its been three years and it still so surreal. i still keep expecting to...well not so much expecting to but wishing i could wake up and this all be one horrible dream. i really dont even know how to finish this so im just going to end it here and say i love you.

jessica sunderland
daughter

December 25, 2009

To the Family of Lt. Sunderland, I hope you can find some sort of comfort and closure knowing the entire Public Safety Community mourns with you. Although many, including myself, have no actually met LT Sunderland, he is a brother and a friend just the same. All of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

L-T, Thank you for your service. The ultimate sacrifice NEVER goes unforgotten. Keep an eye on us down here.

Rest easy Lieutenant....

"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God" Matthew 5:9

Deputy and Firefighter
Glades County Sheriff's Office, FL

August 26, 2009

Well dad,I got my first car about a year ago. There's alot you've taught me about cars but there's still alot im having to learn on my own with the help of Jimmy. I should be graduating here real soon in October. Slightly later than planned, i missed a few credits in the school transfer process. When I get my diploma, I'm going to go work as corrections officer at the county jail till I'm twenty (two years). Then I plan on going through the Sheriffs Office training academy so I can follow in your footsteps. Dad, there are so many things going on in my life, that only you would be able to help me with. The only thing I can do is ask myself, "Dad, what would you do in this situation?" and get no reply. I know you will never be able to read this. this is the first on I've done since you passed. I miss you so much dad. I need your guidance in my life so bad.
Love forever and ever, your son, Germ

Jeremy "Germ" Sunderland
Youngest Son

July 21, 2009

daddy....i did it! took forever but im well on my way finally to where you wanted me to be. i have one more class to pass here in del rio then im well on my way to welding school. everyday you arent here to see me succeed just reminds me of how much harder i need to try to be a better person. i have to admit though, you were the heartbeat of the family and though i love everyone and feel safe at home, it still doesnt feel like home. it feels like im passing time till im called up. like i said though....this gives me the drive to be a better person, like you. i love you so much.

love me always,
skeeter

skeeter

July 14, 2009

To Lt. James Lee Sunderland Sr., his family and his fellow officers with the Val Verde County Sheriff's Department:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Lt. Sunderland’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Lt. Sunderland and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

June 30, 2009

Sure do miss you, I remember the good old days of us growing up together. man we had some good times. We got into a little trouble once in awhile, but overall it was great. I guess we finally straightened up and became Lawmen, unfortunately your tour of duty ended early, mine is still going, as long as the Good Lord Wills. I will see you again Brother, when the Good Lord calls us all to come home. I love you Brother !!! and I will keep the faith.

" Sonny " Sunderland "
Brother

January 23, 2009