Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

last christmas I got to be with you and have a great time. Iam forever grateful for that. i miss you soo much and think of you everyday. Iam proud to tell everyone who james was and how I looked up to him. This christmas I know that you are with got but Iam selfish and wish you were with me.

Officer Leon Archuleta
Brother

December 26, 2006

Hey James,
You are not here to knock the Christmas tree down
this year or to come skiing or get married or play
with your son or daughter. You are now with God. We know that but we miss you anyway.
Thank you for always making my Dad feel special when you
were around him. This year has been rough without you
and without my Dad. We all miss both of you. We liked you very much James when Veronica introduced you years ago. We knew then that you were part of our family.
You were welcome into our Aearts then and will remain there now. Thank you for your service to our country and to your State. Thank you most of all for making Veronica happy and thank you for Jesse James. We see you in him
every time we look at him. We will never forget you.
What a wonderful Christmas for you this year-to be with God! That is some gift! We will miss you Now and
Always! Rest in Peace/Merry Christmas Cuz! Love Julie

Cousin

December 22, 2006

James and I met the first day of 7th grade and we both got in trouble that day. But that built a strong and lasting freindship through H.S. and longer. James and I were always together from the time I picked him up in the mornings for school to hanging out every weekend. We were like brothers. I knew his dad and grandparents, they were so pround of James and they should've been, he was a great person. He was very proud of his family and he loved them so much. When he left for N.M when we were in H.S it was tough for me, but we always found a way to keep in touch. I have so many memories of James that I will cherish forever. I'm going to miss James. You were a great person and friend. Every time James and I would write or talk to each other we would always end with "take care Bro". So from a friend who is so badly going to miss you and never forget you one final farewell, Take care bro. P.S my thoughts go out to his whole family. We lost an amazing person, they only come once in a life time. I'm just happy I got to be part of his life.

Ernie Spampinato
Friend, Colorado

December 14, 2006

James,

What can I say to such of an exceptional young man. I wish you could have had a chance to do so much more in life before you were tragically taken from us. I see the pain your family is enduring during this time especially with the Holidays nearing but I Know God will help them get throug it. Your mom speaks so proudly of her son James she will never forget the great things you accomplished in your short stay with us, she and Levy did such of a GREAT jog raising you. You have made us all very proud James. I remember the party that your Parents through for you when you graduated from the State Police Academy they were so proud, I remember when your dad went over to our house to invite us and you could see the glow in his eyes when he said "I came to invite you to a Party for my boy James he has Graduated from the State Police Academy and we would really like it if you could make it because this is going to be a good one" he was so proud of you. That day at your party I saw a totally different person then before, you had really taken off in life and had really believed you had found your calling. I will never forget how proud you were flashing your Officers badge around that night at your party, you were so happy.

Rest in peace brother James and remember you always made your Mom and Dad very proud as well as the community of El Rito.

Like the saying goes "God only takes the best to soon in life".

P.S.

Have fun on that Harley in the sky my friend...............

Angela
Family Friend

December 6, 2006

My First Christmas In Heaven
I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below,
with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away those tears,
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your hearts, but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear,
and be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of, my undying love.
After all "LOVE" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
for I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away those tears,
Remember, I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

The poem above was give to me by a co-worker, It could not have fit James any better. James we miss hearing your voice, your laughter, your visits, always so often. It doesn't get easier with time, the pain of losing you is like my heart being taken away. James we love and miss you so much. You have left a such a big void in our lives. Our family will never be the same.
We will always be so proud of you and all of your accomplishments as a son, a father, a marine and a New Mexico State police Officer. I know that your spirit will live on in Alexis and Jesse James whom you would have given your life for. So I will not say good-Bye only I will see you later. With all of my love.

Mom and Dad

Phyllis(Mom)
Mother

December 5, 2006

I rode around with Arch for the entire war. We became pretty good friends in that time. I always envied him because he was small enough to fit on the cammie net on the roof of the vehicle, a much more comfortable place to sleep than the ground where I slept. We talked a lot about family and friends. I know he loved you all very deeply. Arch was a true warrior on the battlefield and a great friend. May God bless all of you who are grieving. Arch is in a better place!

HM1 Jeff Stevens
1st Recon Bn

November 15, 2006

Arch......I was going to call you today and say Happy Birthday......Scott told me.....I can not believe it man......I just talked to you the day I was going back to Baghdad........All of the things you were looking forward to, all the things we talked about, Vanessa ...your boy.......I sent you an email a couple of months ago and it came back......I will never forget you my friend.....the day we crossed the LOD we talked about and agreed to help each other famlies if one of didnt make it, now I do not know how to get in touch with Vanessa.....I am sorry buddy...I will figure a way....I will tell your boy all about you and how you were almost as good as me on the .50 haaaaa.....and how you were streaking around the hotel lobby at the ball in 02...Remember when I was dancing goofy with Vanessa....I think I danced with your cousin too...the big biker guy that looked like he was going to eat me...haaaaaa....Scott reminded me tonight about when we pushed up to Baghdad me and you were always arguing about tactics......I was pissed because your goofy ass always came up with the most logical plan 1 milisecond before I did.......oh man bro...this can not be real. You and Scott are my best friends..I will never forget our talks on the back of my hummer...or you and jeff stevens clowning around at Ad-Dayiania...you had us all in stiches....my God that was funny....How about me you and Scott running around the nuts trying to keep all the guns up.....Haaaaa....Or me putting on your PT shorts......you just cant be gone..........Happy Birthday buddy...I will always remember you...thanks for being my friend...Semper Fi Marine....we will meet again.

Sgt. Hal Simpson
Fellow Marine D. Co. 1st Plt. 4th Recon., Friend,

November 11, 2006

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I find comfort in your words and condolences. Jesse-James and I miss James terribly, but, I know he is in such a better place. Keep in mind that he saw more & lived more in his short life, than most of us will. I am forever blessed that he chose to make me a part of his life and planned to marry me. James left the greatest piece of himself behind, Jesse-James. I know I'm blessed because I get to see him smile and laugh everyday.

Veronica Archuleta
Fiancee

October 19, 2006

I remember the day before God took you home. It was at Shannon's high school graduation party - you were giving hugs and kisses to your family. You always made sure you talked to everyone. Like you told me "I have to make my presence known". Your daughter, Alexis, was there catching butterflies - she is so beautiful. Jessie James was not there but he is as handsome as you. Joe misses you deeply, especially those messages you would leave on his answering machine. The other day, we all went for a ride on the motorcycles, and we thought of you - know why - your mom and dad (Phyllis and Levie) decided to go on the truck cause they didn't have rain gear and worried it would rain. Well it didn't, and when we stopped in Tres Ritos, for a pit stop, your dad gets off the truck and said "eeeeee, James is probably calling me a pussy". We all laughed, cried and thought of other things you might have said to your mom and dad.

As each day passes, the pain of you not being here does not get easier, because you are thought of when the phone rings, when a patrol car passes, when the sun shines in the morning and when the faces of your kids are seen. What gives me comfort is that you are in Heaven with Our Lord Jesus. He chose you to be with him in His Kingdom. You were an angel here on earth and now you’re our angel in Heaven!! The memories of you will forever be in my heart. Love you………

Veronica Martinez
Cousin

September 22, 2006

James, our beloved grandson, we miss you so much! Three months have passed since you left us to be with our Lord. Your phone calls are missed every day as we remember how often you would call us from all over the world as a marine. You always kept in touch. So many stories you told as a marine. We miss hearing your voice, your laughter, your visits, always so loving. Thankyou for the beautiful memories, letters, and photos. It doesn't get easier with time, the pain of losing you is deep, and we hurt because we love and miss you so much. You have left a void in our lives. Our family gatherines are not the same.
We will never forget how proud we were when you escorted us in the church for Joseph and Katy's wedding in february. How sharp and proud you both looked in your Marine dress blues. We are so proud of your dedication to our country as a marine, and to the state of New Mexico as an officer. Your spirit lives on in the lives of your two beautiful children Alexis and Jesse James whom you loved deeply.
We hold you close in our heart where you will always remain. Rest in peace. Dear "Hijito" thanks for all you have done. "Our Hero!" We pray that on your birthday 9-10-2006 God will give you the crown you have won. We continue to pray for the military, police officers, and the families as they sacrifice. Love, Your grandparents Don and Irene Archuleta (Con mor Tus abuelitos, Adonario y Irene Archuleta

Irene Archuleta / Grandmother
Direct family to James Archuleta

September 10, 2006

JAMES, I AM VERY SORRY FOR NOT BEING THERE FOR YOU WHEN VERONICA TOLD ME WHAT HAPPENED. I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE GONE. TIL THIS DAY I CANNOT. I REMEMBER 2 WEEKS PRIOR I SPOKE TO YOU ABOUT POLICE WORK AND SO FORTH. BUT WHEN I I GOT THAT CALL FROM VERONICA I CRIED MY EYES OUT. STILL TO THIS DAY I STILL DO. I FEEL EVERTIME I GO ON THE NMSP WEBSITE TO SEE YOUR PICTURE,MY HEART HURTS PRETTY BAD.I LOST FOREVER MY LITTLE BUDDY. WHEN YOU CAME TO MY WEDDING THAT WAS THE BEST GIFT THAT GIVEN TO ME. I TOLD THAT TOO. YOU ARE A TRUE MARINE AND ABOVE ALL MY FRIEND. I MISS YOU.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN HEART. FORGIVE ME FOR NOT BEING THERE. STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT. LOVE YOU BRO JOEY

POLICE OFFICER JOE TERRASI
BROTHER/MARINE/FRIEND

September 3, 2006

Sir, I honor your service and your sacrifice. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9. "Semper Fi"

Daniel
Citizen

August 29, 2006

Archuleta Family,

It's great to be able to look back at the fun times and laughs we had in boot camp. Although I was not stationed with James after boot camp, he will never be forgotten! Wishing your family the best during this tragic time of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you......THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Semper Fi / 5811

Greg Burgess / Motor Division
Oro Valley Police Department, AZ

July 27, 2006

To the Archuletta Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. An unfortunate incident occurred and just know that he is with all of us during our watch.

Officer Justin Fedric
New Mexico State Police

July 21, 2006

Peace be with you always...

Mrs. Natalie Jensen
wife of Detective Jared Jensen EOW 2/22/06

July 15, 2006

Archie, you were a great friend. I am so sorry to hear of your passing. I will never forget your love for life and your unending spirit. To this day, Angie and I talk about how much fun we had with you in Okinawa. I will never forget that contagious laugh of yours. You were one in a million, my friend. God bless you and your family.

Shawn

SSG Shawn Hussey
1186th MP Company

July 10, 2006

Archie, I just found out that God called you to heaven . I remember the last night we went out before i got out of the Marines we had a Great time brother i will always remember you. May God bless you and your family and may you watch over your Brothers in the Marines and your Brothers and Sisters in Blue ... Semper FI Brother !!
Your GOOD Friend "Zeus"

Detective Jesus Bonilla
NYPD (Narcotics)

July 10, 2006

This year has not been the best for New Mexico Law Enforcement, but sheer determination and a strong faith in God and justice keep us moving forward. May God be with you and your family. Rest easy, we'll take it from here.

DBI
Albuquerque PD

July 8, 2006

God Speed to you. May God look over you and your family. You are one of the few who are a hero every time you go to work. Thank you for your hard work and your ultimate sacrifice for your community. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Beth and Shelby Gillett
Los Lunas New Mexico

July 1, 2006

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime 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 man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Patrolman Archuleta, especially to his fiancee. 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. 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.

Patrolman Archuleta, 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 fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

June 28, 2006

Thank you for your service.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

June 28, 2006

Rest in peace James. May you send comfort to your family and everyone who loves you. Unfortunately, I know all to well the pain your family and especially your fiancee is feeling. I lost my fiancee on-duty almost 4 years ago. You will always be loved and NEVER forgotten. God Bless you and your family.

Monica
Fiancee Scott Stewart EOW 8-11-02 Detroit
officerdownsignificantothers

June 25, 2006

Rest easy brother...we have the watch now.

Trooper
FHP

June 21, 2006

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family, he will be included in my prayers.

Mildred Santistevan
distant cousin from Wyoming

June 20, 2006

I never had the privilege of meeting Ofc Archuleta, but I know the type of man he was. As both a former Marine and current police officer myself, I know the calibre of person it takes to have successfully obtained both titles. On May 25th of this year my department lost an officer, and I lost a good friend, Cpl Jason Makowski, so I know the hard times being faced by family and friends of James. I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to those of you that knew James personally, and leave you all with the following thought.
When I graduated from boot camp I had one of my drill instructors tell me that "There will be wars and Marines will die...but as a Marine you will never die, that you will always live on as the Corps carries on". As a police officer James was a member of not one but two special fraternities.....The Marine Corps & the New Mexico State Police. James will always be with us in the name of both.
SEMPER FI!!
Cpl VanValkenburgh
USMCR 1/24 H&S Co.

CPL. Keith VanValkenburgh
Dearborn Heights Police Dept. Mich.

June 19, 2006