Vallejo Police Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, November 17, 2011
Reflections for Police Officer James Lowell Capoot
Officer Capoot,
Gone but not forgotten. Even since your passing you have touched and saved people in ways that many will never even know or imagine.
To take a quote from Tecumseh and the movie Act of Valor:
“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”
Although I did not know Officer Capoot personally I have heard many stories and good things about him since his passing. Having heard these things I believe that the above quote exemplefies the way he lived his life. A true Warrior.
Anonymous
Anonymous
December 18, 2012
Remembering you today, Officer Capoot, and saying a prayer for your family.
Officer K. Close
Healdsburg Police Department
November 18, 2012
Jim,
They took another cop killer off the streets today! He had been free since 1996! If Angels drink coors light I am sure you guys cracked open a few tonight! I am so thankful that your brother and sisters in blue caught your killer that same horrible night! So thankful! Its been almost 10 months since you were here.. Its crazy to me how quickly time goes by. We all miss you! Thank you for all that you have done for all of us. Your memory will live on in so many hearts... Rest in peace!
God bless you and your family both red blood and blue!
October 4, 2012
Jim,
Words cannot express how much I miss you and how sorry I am. I am glad we were laughing and give each other a hard time that morning. I have had the opportunity to be around your family and realize how lucky of a man you truly were. I know you were proud of them as you always told me this. I miss your phone texts about your Cowboys and my 49ers. I always dedicate my first Coors light to you! You are not forgotten. Rest in peace my brother.
Officer Raul Munoz
Vallejo Police Department
August 24, 2012
I was RV camping on the American River in Coloma during the later part of July, which is apparently where Jim spent just about every summer for about the past 12 years.
Although I didn't know Jim, I was fortunate to meet several friends and community members who came to this RV park (and plan on doing so annually in honor of him) to carry on Jim's love for this area. After hearing the many stories of his endeavors and community involvement, I couldn't help but feel left out on not knowing personally what a great guy Jim actually was.
I understand his wife and two of his daughters were there, however I didn't have the opportunity to meet them, other than seeing them from a distance.
Over my 30 year career, and having lost 2 fellow officers in the line of duty during my time, It really hits home when I encounter friends and family of other fellow officers who have joined our fallen brothers and sisters. God bless and comfort his family and those who DID know him.
Also thanks to Coloma Resort for caring enough to place a plaque in their office for Jim and planting a memorial tree and bench in Jim's honor. Kudos!
Investigator Dean Young (Ret.)
Inglewood Police Dept.
August 10, 2012
I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of the fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization.
As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
I have given my life so that others may live in peace.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.
You guard the gate now and I will continue my watch from above.
Captain Doug Gist (retired) Washoe S.O.
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum
August 6, 2012
Jim,
I can't believe it's been 6 months today. I still remember everything like it was yesterday. My dad misses you like crazy, he misses his partner, his buddy, his friend. He tries to put on the tough guy front but I know he's hurting and misses you. Thinking back to the last time I saw you, I'm thankful I got to talk to you for as long as I did, and get to remember our racing days, and then tell you about all the plans and dreams I had for myself. I'd give anything to go back to the last day I saw you and give you one more hug and say a real goodbye. Working with you that day is a day I'll never forget bcause its the last memory I have with you.
I wish you could be here and see how amazing and strong your beautiful daughters are and how strong and loving your wife has been...they are an inspiration to all because I could not imagine being half as strong as they have been if I was in their shoes...but I know you're watching from above and you see everything.
It's so hard to explain in words to people what it's like to lose you, I think it makes me so sad because I know how much you meant to my dad.
I never got to tell you this, but I am so thankful you invited me and my dad to the racetrack that one day to watch Jamie race...beacuse thats what got me started racing and those were the best years of my life.
I love you and miss you and you will never be forgotten
Kayla Braxton
Vallejo Police Department
May 17, 2012
... from my heart to your hearts ... may the spirit of Aloha always be with you and the family And the memories of your life together with Jim bring you peace and comfort ...
Suszanne M. deRosenhart,
Records Graveyard Supervisor
San Mateo CO Sheriff's Office
April 17, 2012
Thank you for your service Sir, RIP now.
James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 17, 2012
I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiance Dennis. Every time 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 officer they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Officer Cappot. 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. I can also be found on Face Book.) 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.
Officer Capoot, 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 late fiance Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been nine years and he's still very much missed and forever loved.
Wishing you brighter and better days,
Jocelyne :)
Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)
February 2, 2012
Rest in Peace, Officer Capoot. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
January 23, 2012
Well Jim....Shift picks are over and the new shifts begin January 13th. You are still on everyones mind and all of your brothers are working hard preparing your case for trial. The community has been very supportive of your family and I think they are getting the time they need to grieve your loss.
Things still suck, we all gave the Council hell for their poor decisions and we will continue to fight against our political bullies and carry on like you did, and would have continued to do if it would have been one of us who died instead of you.
We all are still very angry over your murder, and as per usual....nothing has changed at the PD, we are back to business as it was the day you died. I don't even know why I'm writing this stuff to you, I guess it's because I can't sleep and I have to get up in three hours to get ready to go back to work. We're to old for this crap Bro!
All the guys say hello and talk about you all the time, you did make a difference in all our lives, and the lives of your family, as well as, the community. You're a good man Marine! Oh BTW, every time we hear Trace Adkins "Semper Fi" it reminds us of you. Talk to you soon Jackwagon...Later, BC
Sgt. Brett Clark #436
Vallejo PD / Go Army! lol
January 8, 2012
A true family man. I remember going to his house christmas morning when i was younger and having snowball fights in the snow he drove all the way to tahoe to pickup so that his daughters and neighbors could have a great christmas morning. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Jonathan Coffman
Friend
December 30, 2011
Your amazing Dad and we all love and miss you every second..you are my bestfriend
Justine Capoot
Daughter
December 30, 2011
Officer Capoot:
I lived in Vallejo for over 30 years and got to know a few of the Vallejo Police Officers and remember back a few years when I observed a Burglary of one of the homes down the street, my wife called and you and others came to help me round up 4 kids. I have retired and moved to Nevada and was sorry to hear that a NO GOOD A..H... had taken your life!! My deepest condolences to your Family, Take care up there and say HI to some of my Brothers from the San Francisco Police Department, I know that they will have a couple drinks waiting for you!!
Sgt/Insp. Richard Alves
SFPD Retired/SLTPD Part Time
December 23, 2011
Officer Capoot,
Sir, as a fellow former Marine and LEO I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in the USMC. After reading all the reflections left for you all I can say is that I wish that I had had the opportunity to have served with you. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Anonymous
USBP
December 16, 2011
Rest in peace. You lived each moment to the fullest and it showed in the interactions that you had with your family, friends, co-workers and members of the community. You will never be forgotten. You will be cherished in the hearts of many people.
Bless you.
Deputy Sheriff, Nancy Neary-Davis
Marin County S.O./California
December 13, 2011
Rest in peace. You lived each moment to the fullest and it showed in the interactions that you had with your family, friends, co-workers and members of the community. You will never be forgotten. You will be cherished in the hearts of many people.
Bless you.
Deputy Sheriff, Nancy Neary-Davis
Marin County S.O./California
December 13, 2011
Semper Fi my brother, rest now.
patrolman S Gool
BMPD , Illinois
December 10, 2011
Officer Capoot's memorial service was one of the best services I have ever been to. A real tribute to a real hero...Not many people are the quality of individual that he was. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his wife, daughters and work family. Godspeed Sir.
JM - CSO
SPD
December 9, 2011
Another senseless crime. May God be with you and your family. You will not be forgotten.
Deputy William Hultman
Richmond County Sheriff's Office Crime Suppression Team (Augusta, Ga)
December 8, 2011
Officer Capoot, thank you for your dedication and commitment to law enforcement, and your community. You will truly be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Officer Roger Kellogg
California Highway Patrol
December 8, 2011
P.S. I also, even back then, remember the twinkle in his eye.
Carolyn Hall (Brumback)
old family friend
December 7, 2011
OMG! Was shocked to hear about Jimmy! Our families were neighbors and good friends on Valley Drive in Little Rock, AR., he was my age. The Capoots, Whiteheads and Brumbacks were all over the neighborhood playing ball, riding bikes, playing hide and seek, playing cards and bumper pool, we all went camping and to the lake together. I also seem to remember him playing cowboys and indians. I remember him as being goofy and funny, had only seen him once, since, while he was a highway patrol officer. I am in awe of what an amazing person he turned out to be. These reflections of him are very touching and I'm sure only give a glimpse of the kind of person Jimmy must have been. I am praying for the family left behind and pray that God will rest Jimmy's soul.
Carolyn Hall (Brumback)
old family friend
December 7, 2011
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"
Author unknown
May God be with everyone
Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD
December 6, 2011
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