We loved spending time with you both when we came to visit. But my favorite memory is when I first met uncle Jim at Sam and Laurie’s land and he danced with me. We did the monkey. It was so fun. 

Jim I did not know you all that well, but I do remember you were one of the nicest people I ever met.  You had a great reputation at the P.D. too. Condolences to the family.


I first met Jim back in February of 2018 when he came to stay at the facility I run in Redlands.  He wasn't speaking a whole lot by then.  Mostly 1 or 2 word responses.  But you could tell, by the twinkle in his eye and a slight nod of the head that he understood.  At night when I would get ready to leave I would always tell him, Ok Sarge I'm leaving now so you're in charge!  He would nod and smile just slightly.  It gave him purpose, something all of us need.  What stands out the most to me is his reaction to the first visit after the Covid lock down from Cheryl.  He still wasn't verbal but you could tell he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.  So he did both.  With one solitary tear running down his cheek, he rushed over to the window to see her!  He taught me something that day.  No matter how confused or unaware people with dementia may seem, they are still in there!  Rest in Paradise sir!  Keep patrolling and making sure we are safe!  

Jim was an amazing friend!  I had the good fortune to meet him and get to work with him when he was the Sergeant at the San Bernardino International Airport Authority.  We became instant friends.  That friendship extended into my family and his!  At work, I had a daily police escort to the bank, a lunch companion that included three or four other police officer friends, and someone who was always there with a smile, a silly face, a kind word and some good perspective!  Off work, Jim, Cheryl, Glen and I had some fun times!!  There was often a dive bar involved: 
 dancing...like a chicken, karaoke...like Alfalfa, and some cool libations...Jim enjoyed his beer!!   There are so many great memories, far too many to recite here!  We didn't see Jim as often as we should have towards the end, and I regret that very much.  But the thing that really does warm my heart is that for as much as this disease took from him, at his core, Jim was still a happy, goofy, wonderful human being!!  My life is much richer for the friendship we shared!!  

Uncle Jim was one of the most light-hearted and jovial people I've ever met. He always had a smile and a joke ready, as well as a kind word to share with anyone. When I was a teenager, I was lucky enough to spend two weeks at his home with my Aunt Cheryl and their daughter Kelsey, and in that short time, I got to witness just how kind and welcoming a man he truly was. I'll never forget the fun-filled trip we took to Laughlin, or the expert way he drove the boat as we cruised on the lake. He seemed to live his life with such a positive, carefree energy that I still envy as an adult. As I grew, I wasn't able to spend as much time with the Goddards as I would have liked, but the time I spent with Uncle Jim and his family will forever be a cherished memory of mine. I'm deeply saddened at the loss of such a vibrant life, and I hold Cheryl and Kelsey in my thoughts daily. Uncle Jim was loved by so many, and he will truly be missed. 

Jodie and I attended the memorial yesterday and really enjoyed the service and all the great memories everyone shared. I didn't want to speak there, but I have some memories I would like to share with Cheryl and all of Jim's family.

Jim was one of my training officers when I came on the department in 1984. In fact, he was the best FTO (field training officer) I ever had. Jim taught me the importance various officer survival techniques, the importance of empathy for victims of crime and firm resolve when dealing with suspects.  He taught me how to use force in my job without being heavy handed. Jim taught me the value of detail in all of my investigations whether it be a petty theft or a homicide.  He showed me the importance of taking  even the most mundane chores of the job as seriously as the most complicated tasks.

I was hired as part of a large expansion of the department. As such, there were several new officers and the department did not have as many FTOs as they needed, therefore, I was assigned to regular patrolmen for training before I got to Jim.  Although the patrolmen that I worked with tried their best, some of them good, others, not so much, I got to Jim just in time. I was very close to giving up when Jim took me under his wing.  I can say with confidence that if I had not received Jim's guidance and  support, I would not be a retired police officer now.

I will be forever grateful that Jim came into my life.  I thank Jim, and by extension Cheryl and his family, for all that he did for me and my family.

I was a young police officer who was fortunate enough to work for Jim, when he was a patrol Sergeant.  He was a very fair supervisor, and always had a smile. He lead by example, and he was a great motivator as well. He was the kind of supervisor that anyone would want to work for.  After he retired, he was a golfing buddy of my dads.  My dad passed away in 2017, and by then, unfortunately Jim was sick.  His lovely wife Cheryl brought him to my dads funeral service. I remember when I saw him at my dads funeral, I was very happy, and went over to say hello.  Cheryl told me that Jim wouldn't know who I was, and I told her I understood, but that it was still very special for me to see him there.  That is what he meant to me.  I went to Jim's funeral today.  The stories I heard showed me what a great life he lived, and what a happy person he always was.       

Sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy  I enjoyed playing golf with him in New York when everyone else canceled due to the hurricane. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 

Cheryl, yours & Jim’s love will live on forever, along with every memory shared.  May God continue to comfort you & the  family, with his peace & assurance. Bringing to remembrance that one day we’ll all see our loved one’s again; when we’re joined together in that heavenly place called home.  Until then we celebrate Jim’s life, because a piece of him lives on through each of us.  And in the times when you need it, I pray for strength during weakness, joy in sorrows  &  laughter when sad. 
I love you, always
Kinisha.. ❤️

I met jimmy much later on in his life,
I met him when he came to live at bloosm grove  I was one of the caregivers who had the pleasure of helping take care of him. From the moment I met him I had such a close relationship  with him. He always was laughing and still had his sense of humor. He always would brighten up my day. His wife cheryl  one of the best people she always was there . Anytime I would say your wife is here he would smile so big.  This disease is something no one ever thinks will happen to their love one I'm glad I was able to be there for Jimmy and his family. He made a life long impression  on me.  And anyone who came across his path. My thoughts and prayers  are with cheryl's  and family he will.be truly missed..... 💙💙💙

There  are many wonderful memories that comes to mind, when I think about Officer Goddard. But my most favorable is: When I would ask officer Goddard if I could make a citizen’s arrest? He would look at me & laugh, before replying YES... Then I’ll point to the person I wanted arrested, & Jim  would look with this stare in his eyes... Oh how I miss those fun, & funny times I had with Officer Goddard. I’ll always be remember him as a loving, kind, peaceful, teddy bear,  with a BIG appetite.. I remember those juicy steaks Cheryl would bring him at times, Jim ate every piece, including sides & deserts. & ( he wasn’t sharing) Jim, Jim, Jim, we love & miss you dearly, It was truly a pleasure as it was a honor, being one of your caregivers. Because we got chance to grow close like family building memories moments at a time, that would  never be forgotten, you will never be forgotten! You’re precious to us all, & will always be remembered for the amazing man you were! 
Love truly, 
Kinisha Pollard 

MY JIM HE ALWAYS BRIGHTEN UP MY DAY WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL BLUE EYES AND THAT GORGEOUS SMILE THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME BE APART OF YOUR JOURNEY I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, YOU FALLING ME MAKING YOUR FUNNY FACE EXPRESSION YOU WAS THE SUN TO SHINE... CHERYL WOULD CALL ME YOUR WORK WIFE LOL CAUSE YOU ALWAYS PAID ATTENTION TO ME WHEN SHE CAME TO VISIT, WE ALWAYS LAUGH ABOUT IT NOTHING BUT GOOD MEMORIES REST IN HEAVEN JIM AN ALWAYS KEEP SMILING 

I met Jim in 1973 when he joined the San Bernardino Police Department. We worked together and were friends for the rest of his life.  We were roommates, went skiing and took trips on his boat with Chrryl and Kelsdy.
The last boating trip we embarked upon was to Lake Mojave .  Just the three of us since Kelsey was working in Arizona.   Most of Jim had eased away but you could still see the sparkles in his eyes and the smile on his face. Cheryl operated the boat but after a while, she helped Jim into the captain's chair.  After a few minutes, I noticed a change in Jim. He was happy, focused and in control of his craft just like the old days. It was beautiful moment and I will remember it always.

I met Jim in the summer of 1976 as a co-worker. Smart, funny a wise he was even back then. Over the years we worked together and eventually we both retired. But Jim played a big influence in my life and I'm so sorry he was called to heaven.  God bless you Jim,  and God Bless his family.

My earliest memories of my uncle Jim were around 4 to 5. One that always sticks out was a running joke that he and I had about a toy lizard that was eating a frog. Every time we would see each other one of us would bring up the lizard, and that it was still eating the frog. It was silly, but it was a connection to the boyish fun side he was always able to maintain. His ability to balance his persona as a strong authority figure as a police officer with his fun and humorous side always impressed me. It is difficult to truly express what a great role model and example for manhood he was for me. The ability to exude strong confidence and humility is sought by many but attained by few. In the military we call it the quiet professional. The one who doesn't seek accolades or compliments or boast or brag, but everyone around gives the individual respect that is due. Even into my adulthood he was an example for me, as I observed how he was as a father with Kelsey. My only regret is that I didn't have my own daughters soon enough for them to meet the man that I had known from a very young age. I hope I can be the example for them, that he was for me. We were blessed to have this great man in our lives. God bless my dear aunt Cheryl and my cousin and friend Kelsey. I pray for their comfort as they go through this grieving process. 

Jim  and my Michael worked together for years... I’m so sorry💔

      My memories of My wonderful Uncle Jim is how he was always such a funny, kind ,  and  a Loving man.
       I remember when I was a young  we went to Disneyland . I got on a ride , I saw him  , when I got off  of that ride I went to where he was standing and needless to say he wasn’t there any more... I was lost for a little while. He always found the humor in everything. 
      As I grew up , I grew to admire the beautiful Man he truly was and the Love that he found with my Aunt Cheryl!
      He will be truly missed!

Hey Jimbo - I sure do miss your silly grin and those World Games golf tournaments, world travel, Palm Springs getaways, and of course Our annual treks to the LA County Fair - the 3 little piggies will live on!

A great guy. Gone too soon.  I worked with Jim when he was on patrol and I was a reserve.  He exemplified the best of what being a police officer is all about. The family should be very proud of his service.  I am very sad to hear of his passing.  May he rest in peace.

The loss of the bright light that was Jim saddens me to the depths of my heart. For the better part of the last forty years both Jim and Cheryl have been an integral part of my life.  I have countless memories of adventures, misadventures and ridiculously fun times. True friendships are not just the good times.  Together, we we have also weathered the hard times, the sad times, loss of many loved ones and family members.  Through it all, I always new Jim (and Cheryl) were there for me.  May Jim’s spirit soar in heaven as it did on earth. ❤️

Law enforcement is an interesting environment. You work with men and women everyday who will put their life on the line for you and you them, without a second thought. You see each other in this way and most of the time you are not “Drinking Buddies”. You are professional team players who see the worst of humanity and the rare occasion the best of humanity. It’s a thankless profession that surrounds those who chose to do it but in some way you get a lot of self fulfillment out of what you do. What makes it what it is, are the like minded people you work with. Sgt Goddard was my Boss. I knew nothing about his personal life I was not his drinking buddy. I did my job and he did his. But the respect you have for someone you work for I think surpasses the “Drinking buddy” status in a big way. You have good bosses you have bad bosses, Sgt Goddard was a great boss. He cared about his staff and was an advocate in every way for his “Troops” You always knew where you stood with him because he was kind and fair. He had a “big Brother” sarcasm and a “cheeky” smile on his way of interaction with you. It’s always a good thing to look forward to go work, having a bad boss is a horrible place to be. But with “The Sarge” you knew work was going to be light and fun. With this kind of management style you wanted to do the best job you could because you liked him and cared about you. I am sad I didn’t get to see him before he left this world.  He was one of those “old school” legends that made SBPD the best.  

My golfing, walking, police olympics, alfredos, fun caring friend....you will always be a big piece in the fabric of my life!  ❤️🙏

OBITUARY

James Hamilton Goddard

February 2, 1946 – July 27, 2020

Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery

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