Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was with James and his wife as we were out for dinner the evening before this tragic accident. Not only did the State Patrol lose an outstanding Trooper, I lost one of my closest friends. Even though it has been 42 years, I still miss him.

Patrolman Bill Schoewe
Breckenridge Police Department

January 15, 2023

Trooper Farris,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Colorado. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 29, 2020

Met your brother Stephen today through an encounter. He represented you and kept the memory of you alive!

Be proud that you carry on here in this world.

Senior Patrilman GM Farrow
Southern Shores PD

July 2, 2017

Rest in Peace, Trooper Farris. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 24, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

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


Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 29, 2010

Trooper Farris - Three Fridays ago, on a very rainy morning, I was in the State Assembly chambers when your name was read off as one of the almost 250 others, during a motion regarding this month's Police Memorial week. I stood next to CSP Chief Wolfinbarger who acknowledged the mention of each and every CSP member.

Thank you for your service to the people of Colorado.
May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

May 10, 2010

Trooper Farris,

My Father was on CSP also, I remember him telling me of bravery when I was a kid. You gave the greastest gift! May God take care of your soul.

officer
aurora, colo

December 19, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, You are a true hero to us all.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

January 28, 2008

"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

December 9, 2007

rest in peace hero

vandenberghe
nh

November 29, 2007

Jim-
You and your nephew Cpl McGowan(U.S.ARMY) have been given the duty of securing heavens streets. I know God could not have picked two better men for the task. Thank you both for your service here and in heaven above.

Trooper
Colorado State Patrol

November 5, 2007

Dear Sweet Jimbo -
Today is your birthday and I'm thinking about all of the fun we had for so many years celebrating together - mostly just being silly.

I remember you often in so many things I do and I'm comforted knowing that you are there with Mom and most importantly, with Steve McGowan, who admired you so much.

Our love goes out to you - You're an example to my Kevin - and you'll always be my best buddy. Take care of Stephen until we get there - may we all be together again -
Love, Sister Sue

Susan Farris
sister

May 15, 2006

Your nephew, Cpl. Stephen McGowan, United States Army, has come to join you. He was a casualty of the Iraqi War in 2005. Take care of him and show him the ropes. It will be a field training mission and we know you can handle it. We know Stephen is in good hands with his new FTO. Your memory lives on, as does Stephen's.

Captain Rick Pulling
Delaware State Police

April 13, 2005

God bless you and your family. Now walk your beat in heavens streets youve done your time in hell.

Officer M.A.Olson
Atlanta Police Department

December 30, 2004

I am Jim's sister. He would have been 50 this year. His birthday was May 15th, the same date set aside for all of us to remember all who have fallen.

In my mind he is still the young man pictured here.

No matter how much time goes by, that place in my heart has not healed. We may go on, but the loss never diminishes.

My prayers are for him and all those who have given their lives "protecting and serving" others. And, I ask God to bless their families, too.

Bobbie