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Jason Wolfe Obituary

Mourners pay final respects to officer killed helping fellow cop

Judi Villa
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 3, 2004 11:15 AM

Phoenix police Officer Ben Baltzer choked back his emotions as he spoke of his lifelong friend.

Baltzer and Officer Jason Wolfe met in third grade and nurtured a friendship through two decades, through sports and high school, through first loves and last loves.

And when Wolfe gave up a higher paying job 4 1/2 years ago to become a police officer, the two eventually ended up in the same squad in the same police precinct.

"I looked up to him," Baltzer told mourners at Wolfe's funeral Friday morning.

"Godspeed Jason."

Wolfe, 27, was killed with Officer Eric White, 30, in a gun battle Saturday night with a suicidal suspect. White's funeral services will be Saturday.

At a packed service at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Phoenix Friday, friends and fellow police officers remembered Wolfe as a dedicated cop with an easy smile and a hearty laugh.

Officer Patty Fimbres, Wolfe's partner, told mourners it was difficult to refer to him in the past tense.

"It just doesn't seem real to me," Fimbres said. "When am I going to wake up from this bad dream?"

She fondly recalled Wolfe's rendition of a country song and how he teased squad mates and brightened up daily briefings.

She also spoke of calling Wolfe's cellphone after his death, to hear his voice "one last time."

"I will take comfort knowing you will always be watching out for us," Fimbres said.

Commander Dave Thomas spoke of Wolfe's many commendations with the police department. In April, Wolfe was nominated for a lifesaving medal, and in March 2003, he spent all night at an apartment explosion tending to the injured.

Soon, pictures of Wolfe and White will be placed on a "Wall of Honor" at their Squaw Peak precinct. The wall honors precinct officers who have died in the line of duty. Officers walk by it every day on their way to and from briefing. Thomas said that when he looks at the wall, he is reminded of an old saying about passing the torch from one set of hands to another.

"What I hope happens with these developing officers is that they realize the sacrifice and the deep sense of responsibility in taking that torch and protecting the community," Thomas said.

Wolfe and White were killed after they kicked in the door of shooting suspect Douglas M. Tatar. White was shot first and Wolfe died when he stepped into the line of fire to pull White to safety.

"All of you, you came when you were called. That is why you are heroes," Thomas told officers. " . . . You are heroes in our community, and you are my heroes."

Fimbres called Wolfe "the bravest hero I've ever known."

"He walked the plank for this community, and he gave it all to help those he didn't even know," said John South, a Phoenix police chaplain.

Mayor Phil Gordon promised mourners he would always tell Wolfe's sons what their father stood for, lived for and died for.

"I'll never forget you, sir," Gordon said. "You will always be in my heart. You will always hold a place of honor in my life.

"Goodbye my friend."

Published by The Arizona Republic from Aug. 30 to Sep. 2, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Jason Wolfe

Not sure what to say?





1162 Entries

Merry Christmas Jason. We miss you so much this time of year. Love you
Mom

Lynnette McMinn

Family

December 25, 2023

Another birthday without you platinum one. You are still so missed

Jellybean

Friend

December 13, 2023

Happy Birthday Jason... hard to believe you are now 47. We all miss you so much. Love always Mom

Lynnette McMinn

Family

December 12, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving Jason. Miss you so much. Love you Mom

Lynnette McMinn

Family

November 23, 2023

19 years platinum one. You are missed everyday

Jellybean

Friend

August 28, 2023

Tomorrow you would have been 46. Still miss you so much Jason. Lots of love, Mom

Lynn McMinn

Family

December 12, 2022

Merry Christmas Jason! Love you... Mom

Lynn McMinn

Family

December 25, 2021

Happy Birthday Jason! Miss you

Tammy N

December 13, 2021

Hard to believe you will be 45 tomorrow... Love & miss you son

Lynn McMinn

December 12, 2021

Still remember the good times

mark e mcminn

November 4, 2021

Tomorrow marks 17 years. Still miss you so much

Lynnette McMinn

Family

August 27, 2021

Miss you so much, Mom

Lynnette McMinn

Mother

April 8, 2021

Merry Christmas Jason. Miss you!

Lynnette McMinn

Mother

December 25, 2020

Jason, tomorrow would be your 44th birthday. I still miss you so much. Love Mom

Lynnette McMinn

Son

December 12, 2020

Tomorrow would be your 44th birthday. Still miss you so much. Love Mom...

Lynnette McMinn

Son

December 12, 2020

Jason: Although tomorrow marks 16 years, you are still loved and missed each and every day.
Mom

Lynnette McMinn

Mother

August 27, 2020

Thinking of you

Tammy N.

March 6, 2020

Thinking of you! Miss you so much .

Tammy Nguyen

August 28, 2019

Jason - so hard to believe tomorrow marks 15 years. You are loved and missed! Mom

Lynnette McMinn

August 27, 2019

Merry Christmas Jason - miss you so much! Much love to you! Mom

Lynnette McMinn

December 24, 2018

12/13 Happy Birthday Son. All my love, Mom

Lynnette McMinn

December 12, 2018

Thinking of you, as always. Love you, Mom

Lynnette McMinn

November 23, 2018

J
Its thanksgiving and I remember how animated when you talked about it being your favorite holiday. Normally I go visit but not this year. You are still deeply loved and missed by many.

Jellybean

J C

November 21, 2018

Yes, tomorrow marks 14 years. We all love and miss you so much. Much love . . .Mom

Lynnette McMinn

August 27, 2018

Jason it is hard to believe that you would be 41 tomorrow - where has the time gone? Happy Birthday my dear son. Much love to you always.

Lynnette McMinn

December 12, 2017

Jason - it is so hard to believe tomorrow marks 13 years. We will never forget. All my love,
Mom

Lynnette McMinn

Mother

August 27, 2017

Thinking of this hero and his family

June 12, 2017

After all this time still have him in my thoughts.
Mark

June 11, 2017

Jason - your memories are with all of us this time of year. Miss you so much!
Love
Mom

Lynn McMinn

December 23, 2016

The 13th did not go by with out thoughts of you. Happy birthday platinum one.

jellybean

December 17, 2016

JASON: It is so hard for me to believe that tomorrow you would be 40. You are loved each and every day.
Love You,
Ma

Lynn Mcminn

December 12, 2016

It's one of those moments, that's got your name written all over it.

Aw you should be here.
Love you Big brother

crystal Wolfe

August 30, 2016

12 Years and yet it is just like yesterday. You are missed every day. D and I had chat about your craziness today. Yard pumas and bags of rice. You are still the platinum one.

jellybean

August 28, 2016

This time of year continues to bring all of us such sadness. It is hard to believe that Sunday 8/28 will mark 12 years. You are missed and loved everyday my dear son. Much love - Mom

L. McMinn

August 26, 2016

Remembering times past. Hope that all is well with family.

mark mcminn

July 17, 2016

Merry Christmas Jason!!
We all miss you so very much, especially this time of year.
Love,
Mom

Lynn McMinn

December 25, 2015

Jason you are missed each and everyday. I wanted to say'Hasay'HaPP




JASON YOU ARE MISSED EACH AND EVERY DAY AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I WANT TO WISH MY NEPHEW A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY UP IN HEAVEN.

December 13, 2015

Jason: A day 39 years ago was one of the happiest days of my life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
All my love
Ma

Lynn McMinn

December 13, 2015

My heart hurts today because I know how you said thanksgiving was your favorite holiday.

Jellybean

November 26, 2015

I just read about Jason's passing from our Sunnyslope high school reunion page class of 95' ...So very sorry for the loss

Kavita Perez Balderas

October 5, 2015

Blessings on you are you continue to mourn Jason's loss.

James Scher

August 29, 2015

Jason - so hard to believe today marks 11 years. You are still on my mind each and every day. You will never be forgotten my son.
Love you lots
Mom

Lynn

August 28, 2015

Jason I remember playing ball with you freshman year at slope. I have not thought about that in along time. Rest Well !

Harry Crugar

June 5, 2015

Merry Christmas Jason. Still miss you so much!!
Love always,
Mom

December 25, 2014

Happy Birthday Jason - so hard to believe you would be 38 today! Much love always
Mom

December 13, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HON!

Tammy N

December 13, 2014

MISS YOU!

Tammy

August 29, 2014

Many thoughts and warm memories filled me yesterday. I miss you very much brother. While we mourn your death this 10th year a friends fallen son was given peace with the conviction of his cop killer. I know that Tony and you are together in heaven watching over us and our families.
I love you.

C Wolfe

August 29, 2014

To the wife and mom of Jason
I have been following you and this sorrow for these years. You are in my prayers. Jason must have been a wonderful man. I wish I could have met him.

Br. Jim Scher

August 29, 2014

Ten years I remember that day so clearly as if it was yesterday. Every word said on the radio everything I said my reactions. Holding my breath waiting to hear your voice to make sure you were going to be ok, but I knew I would not hear it again. You are missed so much everyday by so many. I remember the promise you made me and I know your are making sure your taking care of it. Still the one and only platinum one. For your mom I want her to know I think of her often.

jellbean

August 28, 2014

JASON ~ 10 years! We will celebrate your life and memory today. You are on my mind and in my heart everyday. We will never forget.
Much love,
Mom

Lynn McMinn

August 28, 2014

you are always in our hearts -love aunt Angie

Angie Bailey

August 28, 2014

Merry Christmas Jason. You are on all of our minds today. Miss you and love you.
Ma

Lynn McMinn

December 26, 2013

Happy Birthday platinum one. I think of you often and miss you even more.

jellybean

December 13, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON! I MISS YOU

Tammy

December 13, 2013

Happy Birthday Jason
Love always,
Ma

Lynn

December 12, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving Jason! You are on my mind today.
Love You,
Ma

Lynn McMinn

November 28, 2013

I am thinking of you today. I can remember how you told me Thanksgiving was your favorite holiday. You are missed every day

Jellybean

Jellybean

November 28, 2013

You will never be forgotten-we love you Aunt Angie & Uncle Lou-God bless

August 29, 2013

Dearest Jason: Have 9 years really passed? I remember as though it was yesterday. We will never forget, Jason.
Much love to you always . .
Ma

Lynn McMinn

August 28, 2013

I can't believe it has been 9 years today. I miss you everyday. I was so blessed to have had you make such an impact on me. Love and miss you

Jellybean

August 28, 2013

Think of you often, today more than others.. But you are always with me...
I'm still holding on to the last time I saw you, with happy thoughts and dreams Of the next time we will be together agian...
Love you lots brother xoxo

C Wolfe (Nieman)

August 28, 2013

miss you!

Tammy L

July 28, 2013

Thinking of you!

Tammy L.

March 10, 2013

There has been another officer involved shooting. He is hanging on and he is fighting. As I think of him I can not stop the memories from coming back. If he does leave us please watch over him and his family. You are missed so much and thought of every day.

Jellybean

January 16, 2013

Dearest Jason:
Merry Christmas my beloved Son. Your are in our hearts and on our minds.
Love you,
Mom

Lynn McMinn

December 24, 2012

I include my thoughts and prayers Jason with you loved ones. You must have been a wonderful and powerful son, husband and father. Keep them in your watch from heaven and continue to bless them

James Scher

December 14, 2012

Happy Birthday Platinum one

jellybean

December 13, 2012

Thinking of you today. You are still missed very much

jellybean

December 13, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!!
Miss you
Love,
Mom

Lynn McMinn

December 13, 2012

Miss & love you....
Xoxo

Crystal W

August 31, 2012

Thinking of you with lots of love..

Tammy L

August 28, 2012

I can't beleive its been 8 years. You are missed everyday.

August 28, 2012

8 years tomorrow..feels like yesterday. Miss you.

August 27, 2012

You are always on my mind, especially this time of year.

You are so missed and loved!

Lynn McMinn

August 25, 2012

Thinking of you!
Love,

Tammy L

August 24, 2012

Jason - Merry Christmas - Miss you - love you.

Ma

Lynn McMinn

December 25, 2011

Happy Birthday platinum one. Thoughts of you were the first thing that popped into my head this morning. You are so missed and so loved.

Jellybean

December 13, 2011

You were the first thing I thought about upon waking this morning. Happy birthday Jason. You are missed.

Amanda Turiano

December 13, 2011

JASON - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You are missed so much ~ Wow, it's hard to think of you as 35 years old ~ Much love to you son.
Ma

Lynn McMinn

December 12, 2011

Jason another officer has come to you. His name is Bradly Jones from Glendale PD. It saddens me that another officer gave his life for the safety of others. You are missed so much.

Jellybean

November 3, 2011

Still think of you and your family everyday and miss you so much.

August 28, 2011

Thinking of you Jason.

Kristie

August 28, 2011

Seven years today. I can't believe it. You are still missed as much as that moment when it happened. Watch over your loved ones, miss you with all my heart.

jellybean

August 28, 2011

Dearest Jason:
It is so difficult for me to believe that tomorrow marks seven years. 7 years, and I remember that day as though it were yesterday. Life has changed so much since then, but the love I feel for you will never change. All of us miss you with all of our hearts. Continue to hold the light for me, my beloved son.
~Love you~
Ma

Lynn McMinn

August 27, 2011

Miss you

August 16, 2011

I was thinking of you today. I had to put out the address. I have said it a million times since that night, but for some reason it took me by surprise and I had to catch my breath. I miss you every day. I know you are watching over everyone you care about.

July 23, 2011

~J~
There is always something missing each Christmas without you here . . . My thoughts and prayers are always with . . . Please continue to hold the light for me. I love you with all my heart.
~Ma~

Lynn McMinn

December 24, 2010

Thinking about you Jason. I know you're watching over us. Miss you.

Love,
Amanda

Amanda Turiano

December 13, 2010

Dearest Jason:

Happy Birthday son!! You are on all of our minds today, as always!

Move love to you son,
Ma

Lynn McMinn

December 13, 2010

Rest in peace.
Kristie

Kristie Odom

December 8, 2010

Jason oh I was thinking of you on that day and remembering bags of rice and yard pumas. I read your letters over and over and it gives me strength. I am having hard time now and I know your spirit and strength would help me. I miss you I miss my friend. I need my friend that would tell me to suck it up and get over it. You are the one and only platinum one.

jellybean

October 21, 2010

God Bless Sir!!! A.L.E.A. Class 338!!!! Was watching the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy website and saw the video they are using and it has our class in it. Great memories, Rest Easy sir.

Flagstaff Police Ofc. P. Sanchez III

Pedro Sanchez III

August 30, 2010

You are never far from our hearts (is what I meant to type).

XOXO

T Wolfe

August 29, 2010

We celebrated you today with some of your favorites. You are never far from our us.

XOXO

T Wolfe

August 28, 2010

My Dearest Jason:
Saturday August 28th - I awakened with a heavy heart this morning. Your brother and I were just looking at photo albums of you. I find myself overwhelmed with emotion today. We miss you more than you will ever know. Please continue to hold the light for me. I love you son.
Ma

Lynn McMinn

August 28, 2010

Jason
Your family misses you every day--your
spirit will never be forgotten--that
wonderful memory is seen in your beautiful son. Thanks for watching over and inspiring your great family, we feel you each day. God bless you.
Aunt Angie

August 28, 2010

Remembering you today as well as cherished special times on the island. You continue to be an inspiration to all whose lives you touched and are remembered for your spontaneous smile and wonderful sense of humor. We miss you but know you are watching over your family and friends.

Gamma

August 28, 2010

To the family: May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

August 27, 2010

THINKING OF YOU

June 8, 2010

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