Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Collard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 21, 2019

Jim was a good friend and fellow Monterey Police officer. He and two others responded to boaters in the water at Del Monte Beach that morning. Without thought for himself, he removed his gunbelt and dove into the surf, along with Ron Rivera and Alan Davidson. They swam to the drowning boaters. Jim disappeared beneath the waves and Ron and Alan were pulled from the water. The boaters were rescued but Jim remained. He was found later floating in the surf by Coast Guardsmen. Monterey PD wept that day. A wooden cross was erected at the site to memorialize his sacrifice. Years later no one seemed to know the reason for the cross. City officials cited some ridiculous theory about some religious landing by representatives of "the church" but we of the Police Dept., some at least, remember and still see Jim in our memories. We miss you, mate, I miss you.

Melvin D Stanley, Sergeant
Retired San Diego Police Dept Sergeant

September 10, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

May 4, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. You are a Hero.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 20, 2018

I am truly sorry for your loss. My grandfather lost his life that day as well, and is the one that Officer Collard was trying to save.

Your father was truly a one in a million who put his own safety aside to help a fellow citizens in danger and to that his honor and valor will never be forgotten, only honored.

R.I.P. Officer Collard.

Richard Kesner
Grand son

March 12, 2018

I was only 8 years old when my Uncle Jim lost his life trying to save others but because of his legacy. heroism and compassion towards enforcing the laws and helping the needy, I tried to model myself after him during my career as a law enforcement officer in both civilian and military. RIP Uncle Jim, you will never be forgotten.

Steve Collard
Nephew (son of brother William A. Coolard)

March 8, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Collard. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 15, 2012

To the father of one of my best friends, Johnny Collard. I still remember when you let me try to start your motor cycle and it threw me off of it. also the times you took us to Mr. Murry's house so you could teach the dogs that you were training not to attack little kids. I remember your dog Satan, He would bark at me until you said the words " OUT " and then it would let me pet him. I still think about You today. Miss you!! Matt Wigham

Matt Wigham
Friend of Johnny's

August 23, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th anniversary 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.

To his son: I hope to meet you and other family members at one of the COPS functions.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 21, 2009

Officer Collard, thank you for your service. Neither you, nor your sacrifice, will ever be forgotten.

Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

November 27, 2007

James was a member of the Oklahoma City PD before going on the Monterey PD. In the fall of 1965 he, Officer Bill Baldwin and Richard Mullins did a small TV scrip for the city to help get a one cent sales tax passed. Baldwin and mullins played the cops that caught the armed robber played by Collard to save the day. I didn't work with James, but the made for TV commerical help to get the first one cent sales tax for the city. I can't recall what TV station make the commerical.
Richard Mullins

Sgt. Richard Mullins, retired
Oklahoma City PD Friend

May 30, 2007

the man that replaced my father. love always greater love has no man.

william d perry
friend

January 24, 2007

I offer my sincere gratitude to those who have posted their kind reflections on the memory of my father. Though I was just a baby when he was taken from us, I have felt his absence every day of my life. However, the pain is tempered by the tremendous pride that I feel in his selfless sacrifice. He is the definition of the word Hero to me.

Thank You,
Jeff

Jeffrey James Collard
Son

January 16, 2007

Officer Collard: What a hero you are, saving people yet giving your life in exchange. I know you are in Heaven and watching your fellow officers. Bless you for the work you did, the sacrifices you made and the love you showed.

On this, the 37th anniversary of your loss, we salute you and pledge to remember you.

LoVae Pray Martines, Law Enf. Liaison
MADD-San Bernardino County Chapter

April 20, 2006

You died trying to save others, what a waste to see a true hero taken from us..God bless

April 20, 2005

Officer Collard,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Monterey.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

April 20, 2005