Starr, Billy Jerome
59 of Phoenix, launched from this life to the next on October 4, 2013 after a heroic battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends who loved him unconditionally. Bj, as he was affectionally known by friends and family, graduated from East High School and went on to complete 31 years as a Phoenix Police Officer. BJ served on the force as a patrol officer, airport security and became the first and only black helicopter pilot for the City of Phoenix. Upon his retirement in July 2006, BJ continued his service as a reserve officer assigned to the Sky Harbor International Airport here he remained until his death. BJ founded three companies; Photography by B. J. Starr, Starr Enterprises and Starr Micro Systems. He also completed a Master's Degree at Webster University. He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Katye Starr. He is also survived by two sons, Emil Malik Starr, (Sade) and Eric Jerome Starr; 2 sisters, Debra Starr Boyd (Robert) and Jerita Starr Laforcarde, (Jeffrey); 9 grandchildren, 4 nephews, 1 niece and a host of great nieces and nephews to mourn his passing. Viewing is scheduled for Friday, 11 Oct at Universal Memorial Center, 1100 E. Jefferson from 5:30- 7:30 pm. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, 12 Oct at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson at 2:30 pm. Repast will be immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Billy (BJ) Starr to The American Cancer Society at Donate.Cancer.Org . He will be truly missed by coworkers, friends and family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I still miss you so much! They say that it becomes easier over the years. If that´s true why do I cry every time I think of you and remember our time together. I know in my heart you´re in a better place, at peace and reunited with your parents and other loved ones, but God I just still miss you so much. Continue to rest peacefully my friend and what a celebration we´ll have when we see each other again. Love and miss you so much BJ.
Johnsie Braxton
Friend
October 4, 2023
B.J.
I still think of you often!
You are one of the bright spots to this day in the memories I keep!
You might be interested to know that the solar panels I was able to purchase from you are all still garnering sunlight and giving energy. Two of those sets have been on my motor home that has crisscrossed the country carrying my helicopter to shows in Ohio, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Missouri, and California!!! Three other sets still power the cabin in the Prescott Forest!!!
Mike Doles
Coworker
October 3, 2020
BJ , I will miss you. I remember good times at the airport and with the cattle. . Until we meet again. Brian
October 30, 2013
I was lucky to have known and worked with you BJ.
Until we meet again, may God
Hold you in the palm of his hand.
Ed Cunningham 2491
October 30, 2013
I will miss BJ as each year I look forward to working with him during the Teachers For Africa program. I knew he would teach me something new about computers. He was a great person and a good friend.
Thomasenia Cotton
October 15, 2013
BJ, you were a one-of-a kind human being that left a tremendous footprint for all your family, friends, and acquaintances to follow. I admired your passion for life and your quest for knowledge. You are now in peace and have become one with god and the infinite universe.
October 14, 2013
Billy, will be missed. He and his family have been role models for us all. I may not have began my career with the City of Phoenix if he hadn't taken the time to take me on a C/O ride some thirty-five years ago. God Bless him and his family!
Carl Newman
October 14, 2013
Our family would like to thank all of you who showed so much love and support during this time of need. Our brother, Billy "BJ" Starr was as big a hero to us as he was to you and he will be truly missed. A special thank you to the City of Phoenix Police Department for assisting to send their brother home in style at the memorial service on Saturday. There are no words. Twinkle Twinkle BJ Starr, no need to wonder where you are, up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky. Farewell my brother, until we meet again. God is STILL in control
Jerita Starr-Laforcarde
October 13, 2013
Billy, may you Rest in Peace with no more pain or suffering. I enjoyed working with you and remember when I went on a ride a long in the helicopter. Godspeed my friend.
Terry Martinez
October 13, 2013
October 13, 2013
Billy, Your sendoff was like your life... filled with respect, honor, and love, with some humor thrown in. Your sisters, and your sons would have made you proud. The City of Phoenix Police officers added a measure of respect and honor to the proceedings. I thank God that I was able to have known you and to have been a small part of your life. I will miss you my friend, and cant wait to see you again, in Gods presence. Images from the celebration at: x.co/bjstarr
James Pattison
October 13, 2013
October 13, 2013
October 13, 2013
BJ was a guiding light to many, hence the fitting name of "Starr". He knew it and so did the countless others whom his life has touched throughout his lifetime. This candle is being lit in remembrance of the chain of eternal goodness that BJ inspired while here on Earth. May that goodness continue to soar and not be forgotten. May our remembrance of him increase the blessings given us through BJ's sincerity and kindness. Let his loved one's be blessed and may Billy's Starr assign itself to its rightful place in God's heaven. Rest in peace, BJ. Rest in Peace.
Namaste,
Nicole Lea Mon
October 12, 2013
BJ your are missed. Now you are with the Starrs. Happy and at Peace in heaven, no more pain. Prayers and Blessings going to family and friends.
Dorothy Rogers
October 12, 2013
Billy you will be missed. Family, may God's peace be with you all.
Priscilla Krucko ( Johnson)
October 12, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Priscilla Krucko
October 12, 2013
I just learned of your passing, crossing over into the higher version of your being. You were always such a positive influence in my life when I was a teenager in Phoenix, AZ. I can remember thinking, wondering if your last name really was Starr because you were a Star to all that knew you and aspired to do things that we didn't see most black men doing when we were growing up? Or was that your real name? Because you could fly a helicopter. To us kids that looked up to you back in the day, you were our first superhero in real life. And you stayed that way into your later years. So encouraging and always that smile. You were a good friend to our family. As a teenager I remember you being around a lot, I can only imagine how much your family and best friends will miss you BJ Starr, yet somehow I have NO doubt that right now you are the Higher version of your Superhero Super Nova soul hovering above and beyond us all, still keeping a close eye on us from afar. God bless and Godspeed. ~Sylvia V. Hillman, Los Angeles.
Sylvia Hillman
October 12, 2013
You are missed BJ. Peace and Blessings to all of your friends and family <3
Monica Chambers-Boatman
October 12, 2013
Miss you billy as your room mate in thé seventies watching you become successful was fun.
harry edwards
October 11, 2013
You will always be remembered... Our prayers go to your family.
Noemi Molina
October 11, 2013
BJ, my dear friend, I will always remember your sense of humor. I enjoyed working with you at the Airport and learning so much about your computer knowledge, you were an amazing human being. Whenever I need your computer assistance you never turned me away even if you were to busy, you always found a way to help me and never said no. Thank you BJ for taking pictures at my Retirement Party, I will cherish all the fond memories of you and will never forget your smile and warm loving heart.. Until we meet again, I will miss you BJ. Love you, Rest In Peace.
Paula Chavez
October 11, 2013
A great guy, sadly missed, gone to a better place
Bryn Elliott
October 11, 2013
I will miss you terribly my brother, you were my big brother and we have sooooooo many fond memories, rest now you are with Mom, Dad and The Lord... Jerita and I will see you ALL Again... Praise God!!!
In Christ,
Your Sister
Debra Starr
Debra Starr
October 10, 2013
BJ was very passionate, he took time to enjoy life.
I met him during an ACBES meeting many years ago where he volunteered to help H.S. students learn about computers.
This was one of his favorite passions - computers. He truly loved working with computers, photography, model airplanes, flying and I believe smoking turkeys during the holidays.
He enjoyed helping others learn about any one of his passions. I enjoyed our
frequent discussions about computers, hardware, software and emerging technologies. I admired his ability to be engaged in all of his passions while making time to operate his businesses and volunteer.
Dear Debra, Jerita, Emil, Eric, family and friends, I pray for peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I miss you my friend, your memories will always be treasured.
Deanna
October 10, 2013
October 10, 2013
I met BJ when I was 17 years old, and he has been a part of our family ever since. Life will not be the same without him. BJ was the smartest man I know; knew everything about everything.
Although BJ sometimes had a gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold, and he would do anything for his family and friends.
I will miss his wisdom, humor, and most of all, his friendship.
I love you, BJ, and miss you terribly.
Jennifer Braxton
October 10, 2013
BJ was a true friend. We could talk about anything and everything. I would plan on stopping by his house for 30 minutes or so to chat and I'd still be there 3 hours later. He was a true blessing to his family and friends. He was my rock. I miss him so much but I'm glad he's no longer in pain. He fought a good fight and is now reunited with his Mom and Dad. Until we meet again my friend. I love you.
Johnsie Braxton
October 10, 2013
I will miss you my friend
I have known Billy since we were in the first grade. I can remember when all the boys in our south Phoenix neighborhood got these Tiger Joe tanks for xmas, we would all be fussing about those missing bullets, and Billy would asked me , how many do you have, I would say three and he would say I have five and then give me one to make things even and fair, thank you again my brother. Your friend forever Roderick "Ricky" Burton
October 10, 2013
BJ, thanks for being my friend and teaching me so much about life. You always cared and checked on me at FOOTPRINTS DANCE STUDIO, late nights.You no doubt have a special spot in heaven with my Mom. I send love and all good things to your family. Thanks for sharing your talents, and life with me. Fly high my friend with our Heavenly Father. God bless you BJ.
Paula P. Moore
October 10, 2013
B.J. was a funny guy. He said I was nuts for riding that motor for all those years. I simply explained that if I go down my fall will be much than his....R.I.P.
Kenny B
October 9, 2013
Billy J. I will miss you and hope to see you again....
Kenny B
October 9, 2013
BJ was an amazing man. He was not only the kind of man people wanted to be, he was the kind of man, people would be proud to be.
We met BJ thru our son David Hughes.
Davids son, Hunter and BJ have the same birth-date. David had many parties to celebrate their birthdays.
Its the little things, the small everyday occurrences that you'll remember. The laughs, the stories, the smiles. And even though it seems like you can never recover from your loss, it is these very memories that will help push the pain away and bring back the smiles.
We will miss BJs warm smile and kindness.
Fly with the Angels BJ. Sing with the birds and shine with the Sun. You are everywhere to us and in everything we see.
We love you and miss you.
The Hughes Family
David, Hunter, Michael Jr. Mike and Christine Phoenix, Arizona
October 9, 2013
You will be missed.I talk to bj a couple of times at the airport and at that aviation holiday party where he took the city of phoenix pictures .
patty martin
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
B.J. know you will be missed! I will always remember our times together while you were my helicopter student, on patrol, hunting & meat processing, and you trying to get me into computers!
You were a great sport about the "blown" H-300C! Too funny for words! one had to be there!
I'm sure we will see each other again, buddy!
Mike Doles
October 9, 2013
I have known Billy and his family since I was six years old. I have very fond memories, such as Debra and I playing with her Easy Bake oven in the hallway, and being awed by Billy who even then, as a child, had aspirations of being a pilot. The Starrs are very much a part of my childhood, through high school, and I shall embrace those cherished moments forever. Thanks for the sweet memories Billy.
Karren Ford
October 9, 2013
B.J. Thanks for the great memories at the airport we had some good times. Take care my friend till we meet again.
Edward Rizo
October 9, 2013
BJ I will enjoy the memories of working with you during the fun years of being a Police Officer,thanks for always willing to help out,never backing but always leading.
Ricardo Ramos
October 9, 2013
I had the immense pleasure of knowing BJ when I was a dispatcher at Sky Harbor. Once he knew he could trust you, you where a firned for life. He was a man you could depend on. He will be missed.
Angela Harris
October 9, 2013
You will be missed Billy Jerome Starr.
I'll never forget your kindness and generosity teaching Mike and myself the workings of a computer..oh the laughter we shared! What fun it was when you came to our home from your hunting trip with the deer and then more laughter.
All my memories of you are with Joy...I remember your laughter when I asked if I could use your name on the helicopter toy (the 3 of us) Gass, Carr, Starr...Now you are a star twinkling in the sky. I'm so happy I got to meet you and you came into our life....Billy Starr .....Now a real Star up in the sky and role model for others.
Toni Doles
October 9, 2013
BJ was a good friend. I AM a much better man, and person for having known Billy Starr. I will miss our conversations.
James Pattison
October 9, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Universal Memorial & South Mountain Mortuary1100 East Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85034
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