Sgt. Joseph P. McPherson

Wilmington Police Sergeant, Joseph P. ""Jody"" McPherson, 36, of Wilmington, passed away Monday, December 21, 2009, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Jody was born in Stanly County, NC, April 24, 1973. He was member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Appalachian State University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 1996. Jody has proudly served with the Wilmington Police Department for the past twelve years. North Carolina State certified as a Basic Law Enforcement Training Instructor and a firearms instructor, Jody regularly administered classes at the Police Department for Cape Fear Community College. He was an original founding member of the department's Special Enforcement Response Team and was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant in 2009. Sgt. McPherson, ""a Carolina Fan,"" loved to watch and participate in many sports activities including basketball, football, and golf. He enjoyed hiking, camping, days at the beach, and generally just being outdoors. A loving husband and devoted father, his most precious, joyous, and memorable times were those spent with his wife Debbie and their twin boys, Jacob and Joseph. Jody is survived by his wife of six years, Debbie Horne McPherson and two sons, Jacob and Joseph McPherson. Also surviving is his mother, Sandra Kirk-Griffin and husband Ed; his father, Andrew P. McPherson and wife Gwyneth; a brother, James McPherson and wife Michelle of Virginia Beach, VA; a step-brother, Jason Griffin and wife Sarah of New London, NC; maternal grandparents, James and Glenna Kirk of New London, NC; paternal grandmother, Gurline McPherson of Cheraw, SC, an uncle, Ronald Kirk of New London, NC; and four nieces, Liliana, Annabelle, and Olivia McPherson and Karlie Griffin. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 South College Road, Wilmington, NC. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2009 at Scotts Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Phil Ortego officiating. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens. Members of the Special Enforcement Response Team will serve as honorary pallbearers along with the members of Wilmington Police Department's Honor Guard serving as active pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts may be made to the Wilmington Police Benevolent Association, c/o Lt. Matthew Hinson, 615 Bess St. Wilmington, N. C. 28401.