Sunday, April 10, 2011

Retired Lieutenant J.W. Austin Dies - Services Announced

J.W. Austin, age 61, of Sugar Hill, Georgia passed away Sunday, April 10, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Diane Austin; son, Walt Austin of Sugar Hill; 4 stepchildren; brothers, Ronnie Austin of Crestview, FL, David Austin of Maryland, and Dale Austin of Milton, FL; 4 step granddaughters; his number 1 grandson, "Boog"

J.W. served with honor and dedication in his career of law enforcement. He also enjoyed golf, his adult softball league, and especially taking control of the remote.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm, Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite Childrens Hospital. Arrangements by Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30046, 770-277-4550. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wagesandsons.com.

Go in peace brother.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

He was part of the history that made this place a great place to work and play. He was someone who wasn't afraid to make a decision and stand by what he said about it.

He loved to police , the way I wish we would return to very soon.

Anonymous said...

Rest in Peace Lt. Austin, you will be missed.

Anonymous said...

So sad...may he rest in peace, and watch over you and keep you safe. I hope his family can get through this difficult time with loving memories.

Steve Cook said...

I worked many a roadblock with JW. He was definitely old school. Im sure he has sat down now with Charlie Nelson, Hugh Combee, Zade Harper and the rest. They are talking about how it used to be, when Dekalb was the best in nation. I remember those days..1042 brother

SZ Cook 1316

Anonymous said...

You may have not always agreed with him, you may have thought him brash and unreasonable sometimes, but there was no one better when it came to policing the way it was supposed to be done, and supervising his troops the way it was supposed to be done, without worrying about being "politically correct" Godspeed Jim, you did it the way it was supposed to be done.

Anonymous said...

Go in peace Marine. You were a Warrior and a no nonsense, cops cop. I will tell stories aboout you forever.

RSC said...

I agree he was a damn fine cop and funny as hell to work around.
I too will remember him along with the rest that we have lost in the last few years.
Go in peace JW!

Anonymous said...

It's kinda funny how when I came he I looked at the ol timer's and thought "damn" I hope I make it that long.
Now that I have, all the ol timer's are gone, and I have taken their place.
RIP my friends.

Anonymous said...

Rest in Peace JW. Those ol timers were some of the best ! They made Dekalb the great place that it used to be. So sad to lose so many in such a short time.

Col. Wally of Bad Company said...

JW Austin was...born with a six gun in his hand! Bad Company if I ever knew one. One of the reasons I have a Bad Co tat on my shoulder right now although I never worked a day for DeKalb County. I was a state Narc on the GBI for too many years to remember but for my brothers in Bad Company, I sure was sorry when Billy Parker told me earlier today about JW's passing. Lots of these comments do great justice to JW...a cop's cop! Me, my wife Pooh, and some of the other state Narcs would buy some dope UC in DeKalb County and then turn the case over to the best bunch of Narcs any county police department ever had back in the day. JW was a snappin' Turtle...he bit a dope dealer, he didn't let go. I never worried about who was coming in the door when I was buying dope UC in DeKalb County because I knew the best dang police anywhere, the DKPD Dope Squad, was there backing me up and listening for me to give the word on the bug when I had seen the dope. It's a Righteous Deal JW...hope to see you again one day my old friend from Bad Company...you will always be ten feet tall and bulletproof in my mind!
Walt (Col. Wally) Brooks & Len (Pooh) Brooks and our sons send all our love to JW's family and to all of the wonderful men and women, active and retired, of the DeKalb County Police Department

Sgt Porter said...

He was a one of kind Lt. Like to talk shit, BTA and run a roadblock. These new millennium rookies would not dare to say that one ticket and one business check was good enough to be productive. He will be missed by all that knew him. I feel very sad because I worked side by side with him at the old South behind the mall. Those of you posting you can leave your name and not be anonymous on this type of posting.

DW Isbell #1384 said...

We have the watch now JW. Really sad to hear that he left us. Probably one of the best supervisor's I ever worked for. He knew his job and how to keep all on their toes and ready for anything. Definately the best of the best.

D.D. Hamilton #1577 said...

I really thought he was going to be alright when I heard he fell ill. It was not to be though. I remember the CID days and the Narcotics days.....many laughs, many stories, many cussing (lol). The ultimate Chief is gone. Another one gone with the broadest shoulders I have seen. RIP Sir........thanks for the memories.

DeLisa Day Brown (DKPD 911) said...

Enjoyed working with JW at DKPD in the 80's. He always flashed that big smile. Constantly cutting up and making people laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. "10/42.....Patrolling the Streets of Heaven".....RIP JW..You will be missed.

PK #1193 said...

JW was old school and yes he loved playing softball, I had a class with him in Clarkston last month and he told me he was still playing softball. Glen Weaver and myself along with several retired DKPD guys were talking about old times JW had some stories. JW you will be missed in class at Clarkston City Hall. RIP my blue line brother.

PK #1193

Holli said...

One of Dekalb Finest back in the day when Dekalb was the best place He always protected his men and was always true blue.. Prayers to his Family...10-42

Anonymous said...

"Gotta cigarette buddy"?

He taught me a lot. Helped me out with my career. I never knew why.

Everyone is right. He was a true policeman.

Holli Brooks said...

Lt Austin always protected his men he was true blue and very funny. Prayers to his Family 10-42 sir

M.D. Frazier 1533 said...

Rest In peace Lt. Austin..... M.D. Frazier #1533

Anonymous said...

Rest in Peace, my brother

M.A. West #1453 said...

...And when we lay down our nightsticks, enroll us in your Heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of men......... God bless J.W. and his family, and all of his brothers in Blue! You did it right, when you were on the streets and off, what a great time and great memories I will have while wearing the uniform, on the golf course or on the softball field. Thank you for your commitment to all!!! God Bless

DT Cunningham #1257 said...

I worked for JW Austin in the 90's at the old South Precinct behind the South Dekalb Mall. Everyone remembers his smile and sense of humor. What I remember most is one day I overslept and reported to work an hour late. When I got to work he smiled at me told me to hit the streets and I never heard anything about it again. I am sure that was not the first or the last time for that type of supervision. RIP JW Austin.

Traffix said...

I remember J.W. being in the middle of the crowd back in the days of "The Gate" with the rest of us. He was all cop. We all lose something when we lose people like him.

Marsha said...

A little "rough n rowdy" to be sure; as required during those days! I have fond memories of his role playing while a Narc for the 9th basic academy.

Marsha B. Fuller

Member of Wolf Pack said...

De mortuis nil nisi bonum! You are at rest now my friend!

Anonymous said...

Very sad day today. JW's funeral. We all lost a good one. God bless JW's family and friends. Go in peace buddy, you will be missed.

Unknown said...

R.K.Watkins 1762 Love you LT.A good Boss morning watch southside. Porter hit the nail on the head. He loved those roadblocks on glenwood at 0001 hrs. He a good man, wwe bothe lived on post properties as coursty officers. He love that bike and didnt mine backing you on a call. Bless you Lt. Thanks for teaching me all that you did.

jc5284 said...

Hugh Combee was my father... Any here knwo him?