Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As a young officer, I guarded John in the hospital on shift 3. Big John was not just a nickname. His feet hung over the end of the bed 6 inches. I told him for the money they charged, they could at least find a bed that fits. He was able to talk for the first few nights but after I returned from my days off, he mostly slept. He was a respected cop and I think of him often these may years later. I ended up with many more sad memories of friends lost but John was the first. Those were the guys I looked up to. Still do.

PPD retired
Phoenix Police Department

September 21, 2022

Officer Davis,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death 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 with the U.S. Armed Forces. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 6, 2022

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

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

July 1, 2020

I worked Southside 3rd shift and my squad would have “Roll Call” at that bar on Wednesday mornings when we got off of shift. I learned the story of their sacrifice as a rookie and we always paid homage to their courage. The bar had their portraits hung in honor!.... Here’s to us and those like us, damn few left!

Det. Chris Jensen
PPD retired

August 6, 2019

I never had the privilege of meeting "Big John". His grandson Jay and I were good friends back in highschool. I got to know Mrs. Davis and their two sons as well. All great people... beautiful family. My father, Uncle, and Aunt are all retired law enforcement and, sadly, have witnessed the pain families and communities go through with such a great loss. I send much love and respect to the Davis family. John must be smiling down on all of you as he continues to "keep watch"....rest in peace

Anthony Earle Lloyd
Friend of the family

June 19, 2019

I work at the school that was named after this courageous man. I will ensure that his memory lives on with my students. May God bless his family.

Penelope Thompson sped teacher
JR Davis Elementary School

October 21, 2018

I did not know you personally sir(s), but thank you for your bravery and dilligence in trying to protect the community.
ps, im a former proud graduate of JRD elementary, #GOCobras!

kevin cole
fellow neighbor of south phoenix

December 31, 2017

Though decades have passed, your loss is still felt. We miss you dearly.

Until we meet again, rest in peace.

Jay Davis
Grandson

September 1, 2016

John was my PT partner at the Academy. I think of him often. John was a good man through and through

Donald O. Brookes
Ex Phoenix P.D.

September 1, 2016

Rest in Peace to you and Officer Conchos. You both have served your time in hell.

Lt. Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (Ret.)

August 6, 2016

This really pissed me off at the Time and still today Big John was the Campus Cop at South Mtn High school at the time he was a great Guy , Killed by A illegal.

Gary F.
MCSD

December 17, 2015

He will be memorialized on the Stolen Lives Quilt, thanks to our partners, Remember 1986.

Maria Espinoza
Founder & National Director
The Remembrance Project

August 4, 2013

You were both great men of courage. I was there that day.

Detective Tom Buckner 1659-Retired
Phoenix Police Department

May 26, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 31rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 1, 2013

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 15, 2012

I remember Mr. Davis through his son John. We took some classes together at PC, played ball and watched kung-fu movies. His dad seemed to be well on the road to recovery several days after being shot to the point he was demanding food a bit more substantial than he had been receiving to date but his full recovery was not to be. I know he had requested steak along with the usual sides. I didn't see him often but I was always respectful and he treated me likewise. The smooth action on that snubnosed .38 or .357 revolver he carried was truly incedible. My best to John and his family.

Firefighter/Disp. Tommy Wilson, Retired
Kansas City Kansas Fire Department

September 6, 2011

i didnt know him but i went to the school that has his name i can remember see his picture hanging in the lunch and when i found out the story behind it . it made sad i then started telling myself i wanted to be a cop . RIP

james
none

July 14, 2011

"What a GREAT,GREAT,MAN & FATHER my uncle was,and still is to this day...
I will always remember him as just that,teaching his sons how to change sparkplugs,playing a mean game of hoops with us on the backyard b-ball goal.
Going to our high school sporting events...but in THAT POLICE UNIFORM...he was all about being all business,ALL BUSINESS !
The crooks feared him,respected,and hated him so much...they even called him by his moniker "Big John".
What a roll model,and Father.

Darayl Bellamy
July 8th,2011

Darayl Bellamy
Nephew

July 7, 2011

Officer Davis,
On today, the 26th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you to you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Phoenix. And to your families and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 6, 2008

I think about you all of the time and you were a great friend and was there when I needed you and I do missed you.

Sandra
friend

January 24, 2008

Brother John, or should I say "Big John" as we all knew you by, it has been a long time since you transfered to God's department in heaven. You and your partner "Nacio" will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters in the badge nor by the multitudes of God's children here that you served so honorably and with tender love and dignity. Although you earned the nickname "Big John' by your size, your heart was even bigger and every one you touched had to know that. Even those who gave you a hard time. As you walk with Jesus give him a warm hug for me. See you when He calls. May the Lord bless and keep your family, and protect our brothers and sisters in memory of you and "Nacio".
In Christ, Tom Bradley Arizoan State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired #456
Phoenix Arizona PD

October 22, 2007

25 years have come and gone since your brutal, tragic, and untimely murder. May your family take comfort in the fact that you will FOREVER be a hero and NEVER be forgotten!

SGT, Retired
AR

August 7, 2007

"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

July 26, 2007

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

Officer

March 15, 2007

I will always remember him as a very good officer and gentleman.

Judge John Barclay (ret)
NW Phoenix Justice Precinct

December 12, 2005