Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I first met Jim back in the 70's. We were good friends for many years. He had a great sense of humor and a heart as big as all outdoors. HPD as well as many friends and family lost a great man. Cody even though I do not know you, your Dad would be so proud to have you follow in the family footsteps. Jim was proud to be a police officer and loved his job. Hang in there and keep your head high. You and your family are in my prayers and hopefully one day this will be over and it will all be put to rest.

JP
Friend

October 10, 2009

Dad,

I cannot believe that after 20 years we are still fighting for your justice. I have no words to describe it. I am however amamzed at the amount of people who are standing for you... Its an amazing feeling to see 450 people in two days willing to join our cause to fight for you. I wish i could say it will be over soon, but its going to be a long road. Were all fighting! Love you.

Patrol Officer Irby
Pflugerville Police Department (SON)

October 2, 2009

Dad,
19 years today. Every day seems like a year waiting for some kind of justice to be done in your name. There has been no word of any progress on the case. I fear at times that it may never be done. Work is different. There are days that I know that this what I was born to do, and times that I wish I wasnt. I can only imagine that you went throught the same trials. Cally is having some problems these days but she will be ok. Hope fully another year will not pass without something being done. Bye dad

Patrol Officer
Pflugerville Police Department (SON)

June 26, 2009

I recently read of your story while working on a school project. Your legacy lives on in your son, who has followed on in your path of righteousness and service.

Justice will be served to your killer, in this life or another.

May God bless you and your family.

To Officer Irby's son- I will pray for you as you pursue your career as a police officer. What a noble path you have chosen. Both of our fathers will be watching over you and your fellow law enforcement officers.

Daughter of Fallen Officer

December 9, 2008

Congrats Cody, I know your Dad is very proud of you!I was blessed enough to be trained by your Dad in solo's back in 1988.Words cannot describe what he gave me,the skill to ride for 18years and make it to retirement,something I'm so sorry your Dad was robbed of,he deserved it so much.You were very little at your Dad's funeral,I rode it and nothing ever compared to the experience and emotion I felt those days following his death.While I was still riding I would stop by his grave and give a "Hey Jim-Bo!" often.I think about him alot,especially around June 27.I was honored to have known your Dad and have my memories of our short partnership and friendship.Be safe out there and if you need anything or want to talk,I'm still here.Tell your Mom and sister hello."No solo ever rides alone" Bob

(Ret.Solo)Police Officer Bob Freshcorn
Houston Police Friend

November 30, 2008

Its done dad... Im officailly a cop. Hope I make you proud, and do even half of the job that you did. I love you.

Patrolman
Son

November 17, 2008

Cody, Your daddy would be so incredibly proud of you! I'm sure the entire city is also proud! Everyone respected and admired your dad. Everyone knew of his years of dedication and his big heart! The volunteering, the hard work. He was well known by so many. Everyone who met him knew immediately the kind of man he was. On the day of your dad's funeral, a number of radio stations announced that people should turn their headlights on in remembrance of him that day (this was before anyone had "automatic" or daytime headlights). I can still remember my amazement, when at every overpass, all I could see were headlights on everywhere, in the middle of the day for as far down the highway as I could see. I also remember there were fundraisers for you and your sister and mom, with people showing up and signing over their paychecks. I believe it still holds the record for the highest collection in a single day. Tell your mom hello. She may remember me, as I did a lot of volunteer work for the Irby foundation. Both my dad and my husband were in law enforcement back then. Even though we lost touch, I have prayed for you and your family. I'm so happy to see your posting here. I am so sure that your daddy is looking down and smiling with all the pride that heaven can hold. God bless! -Beth-

Beth

October 17, 2008

Dad,

It's been another long year. 18 years seems like such a long time. I went to your grave on Friday. I had not been there since last year. When I was little we would go there and there would always be penny's sitting atop of you headstone. I remeber when I was younger seeing stacks of them. I left one, so that some would know that people still remember you. After I left there I went to the muesem to see you bike. It still looks just as good as the day you got it. It hasnt aged even a bit. I think of you very often, especially since I started the academy. There are so many people that remeber you, that respected you. I cannot get through a day, even as A cadet without meeting someone new who has something to tell me about you. You must have really done something right to touch that many peoples lives. I hope that I can do at least half of the job that you did. I miss you dad. I know im not the only one. I hope you keep watching over me, I know that you and Scott are both watching me. I hope im making you proud. Please keep watching over cally and mom. I know they need the help. There will never be a day when I dont think of you. I love you dad.

Cody Irby (Cadet)
Son

June 29, 2008

Cody, I just found out that you wanted to hear about your dad.
I worked for HPD from 1975-1980. Your dad and I were partners, in patrol together. We rode the old 1 district together and our call sign was 1010.

Your dad is my best friend.
Your dad was my fishing buddy.
Your dad was my hunting buddy.
Your dad was my room mate.
Your dad was my drinking buddy.
Your dad was the best man at my wedding
Your dad is the godfather of my son.

Contact me and I will tell you all you want to know about the greatest man,the greatest friend and brother I have ever had.
Tell your mom I said Hi. I met her a couple of times and thought she was great, and was the best thing that ever happened to your dad.

Hope to hear from you soon....TC

Sgt. TC Jacobs (Ret.)
Round Rock PD

April 25, 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

February 13, 2008

Cody,

I knew your dad as a very strong and kind person. I worked with him when he was on solos. He and I were on afternoon shift together for almost eight years. I was a young officer and he was a veteran—-he taught me so much. I am proud to call him a friend of mine. We fished for redfish and trout in Galveston Bay and even went offshore for kingfish on many occasions. He taught me how to cook fish perfectly and that has been something I have enjoyed ever since. All my friends think I have a talent for cooking fish and I have your dad to thank for that. We even partnered in shark fishing tournaments together and we had a great time. He talked about you, your sister and your mom all the time. He was so proud of you. He loved his life, his family and his commitment to the city. And he was expert at all of them. I left the Houston PD and moved to Florida just a few months before your dad was killed but when I heard what had happened, I took time off from my job and immediately flew to Houston to be part of the celebration of his life. I was proud to wear my new uniform and stand beside all of our fellow officers and salute him in the way he deserved. That is the kind of man your father was. That was the kind of friend your father was.

Larry Kelley

December 22, 2007

I am so proud to have been his son.
Please anyone who knew associated or was a friend of my fathers please contact me. I do not know much about his past but hope to learn more.

Cody Irby
Son

October 2, 2007

Jim, I have a son that will turn 21 in 12 month. He was never fortunate to meet you,but he knows all about.He enjoys trhe stories I tell him about when we worked Central Patrol, evening shift and you stoped a car in the rain and didn't write a ticket. I never let you forget that.On our last visit to Houston, I took him to the academy just to see your bike. Every time I drive through down town and what was then called Old Market Square, I remember the pizza place that was there and where you and I sat on the crub in front of the pizza place one night after shift, talked, and drank a beer. I'll never forget you and thank you for being my friend.

Charlie Braun Retired
HPD /My training oficer & friend

September 22, 2007

I am the daughter of James E Baker, who was also in motor division with Officer Irby. My dad was the officer at the back left corner of the hearst in the procession. I have always remembered the days of the losses of my "family". I call you that cause I always remember having an officers family around growing up. I rember the day Officer Irby went to be with the lord and how distraught my dad was. James there will never be a reason for your death but there will forever be an impact. You gave the ultimate and I know that you are forever in my mind along with your family. God bless and keep them in his graces!

DaVina Baker (Rhode)
Daughter of Officer James E "Pooch" Baker

August 16, 2007

I frequently think of Officer Irby because we followed the case due to my son's interest in law enforcement. Later he became a police officer himself and was also killed in the line of duty. Family and friends need to know that others will continue to remember the loss of your loved one!

Janet Green
surviving mom
Micheal Eakin, EOW 9-29-98, Harris County

Janet Green GHCOPS

July 2, 2007

I grew up in Houston,I had got off work at the
the light company and turned on the news and saw
where officer Irby had been shot.i moved to alabama
in 1992 and became a law enforcement officer.Since
I have been a police officer I have lost two friends
one by gunfire and the other by auto accident while in pursuit.I recently visited the national law enforcement
memorial in Washington D.C.I found their names,then I found
officer Irby's name.I just wanted his family to know he is
not forgotten.As a former houstonian I thank officer Irby
for his service.

deputy walt williams
madison county sheriff,madison county,al.

March 18, 2007

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN MY DELTA ALPHA BROTHER. I DON'T PASS THE ASTRODOME PARKING LOT THAT YOU AREN'T IN MY THOUGHTS.

Ron Bozarth
friend

November 22, 2006

I met Jim Irby at my place of employment when he was working Central patrol. Irby and always got along. I always thought he was a very nice man and was a good police officer. He was just doing his job and got killed by a man that should not have even been out of jail. And now Irby's killer will be getting a new trial. At the place of Irby's death there is a small memorial. I have been there a couple of times. On the day that Jim was layed to rest I was working at the Best Western on Wayside. I stood in the doorway of the lobby and cryed as I watched the hearst and all of the mourners pass by. It was a very large funeral. May officer Irby Rest in Peace.
He will not be forgotten.

Laura Gregory Calvin
Friend

October 17, 2006

To Jim

From Motorman to Motorman, you will always touch those who love you and will come to know you each and every day. I was proud to be on your Honor Guard Unit that memorable day.
God Bless you and all your family.

Ride it like you stole it Jim

Buc Weaver

Ofc. Buc Weaver
Indiana Police Officer-USMS Task force

September 5, 2006

I did not know you, Officer Irby. I remember the day you were slain. I was home on leave from the Army. I could not believe that people could be so evil. The radio and TV asked everyone to drive with their headlights on in memory of you. I was almost blinded at noon by all the lights. I knew then I was going to be police officer when I got out of the Army. You dont know me, Officer Irby. But you inspired me. Every time I pass by your motorcycle in the HPD Academy, I remember seeing all those headlights in the middle of the day.

A Houston PD Lieutenant

June 23, 2006

May you rest in Peace on this day and forever.


With all the respect due you,
Sue Soboleski
Wife of slain Houston Police Sergeant Bruno D. Soboleski

May 2, 2006

I'll never forget you. You treated everyone with respect, dignity, and conducted yourself as a true professional. You may be gone but you're not forgotten.

CPC
BTGH

April 26, 2006

I met Jim Irby briefly in the middle 80's. The next time I saw him was at his funeral where I attended with my partner John Salvaggio. I could tell the respect and friends that you had from probably the largest police funeral I had seen at that time. I just want to say that after being an officer for 21 years now, gaining respect and all the friends of yours that I still encounter from time to time you did it right. Dan Starr

Senior police officer: Dan Starr
Houston Police Dept

December 26, 2005

Mr. Irby was like my second father when i was growning up. At the Houston Rodeo i was attached to his hip all the time. I just wanted to say that Irby and his family are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Stephen Scott Howe

April 4, 2005

A Tribute to the Heroes Among Us

Dedicated to Emergency Response Personnel everywhere and F.A.M.I.L.Y.

Our hearts go out to you and your families. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough for men who are heroes when we need them, but invisible, ignored, and unappreciated when we don’t.

You rescue us, save our possessions, our lives and our families. You are the heroes among us. You are always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we call, we just expect that you will come and do whatever it takes to help us. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring. We show our appreciation with low pay, little respect, and indifference for the issues in your lives, most of the time. As young children, we want to grow up and be you until we get older and realize the risk isn’t worth the reward.

As outsiders, we envy you, secretly. You have benefits in your careers that our jobs just can’t provide. Your work is not the same old thing every day. You get the opportunity to be heroes every time you go to work. You obviously love what you do, and you’re a family. You have a oneness the rest of society longs for. You care about and support each other. You know each other’s families, share each other’s lives. The rest of us face life’s trials and tribulations alone. You are never alone. You have each other, always.

It is our loss not to know you better. This world, this country, your individual towns truly are better places because of you. To lose one of you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We should be grateful for and to you, and honor you regularly for all you do for us day in and day out without a word of thanks or praise.

We should be ashamed of ourselves; and yet, you continue to do all you do for us in spite of our behavior, which speaks to the people you are. How many of us are willing to do a job knowing we may not go home at the end of the day?

Maybe one day in the future, you will be recognized for all you do with better pay, and the community support and respect you so richly deserve. Until then, hang tough together, and God Bless You and your families.

Anonymous
Houston,Texas
We miss you Jimmy.

November 27, 2004