James "JP" Phillip Lashley Sr, 58, of Villa Ridge, passed away, unexpectedly, Saturday, June 25, 2022, at his home.

"JP" as he was known to most, was born May 4, 1964, to the union of Jerome Cousins and Margaret (Lashley) in St. Louis, Missouri.

JP was a graduate from McKinley High School in St. Louis.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army.

On January 6, 1990, JP was united in marriage to DeAnna (Bedford) in St. Louis.

JP and DeAnna were members of the Friendly Temple Baptist Church in St. Louis.

He was employed as a Sheriff's Deputy for the Franklin County Police Department where he served on the SWAT team for several years as a Master Operator. After 32 years of service in the Franklin County community, JP retired in 2019.  Shortly after retirement, he was recruited to join the department as a Cold Case Investigator. In 2019 JP was awarded the "James "JP" Lashley Award for Drug and Alcohol Awareness", an award that was named in his honor. He is respected for being an influential person in the development of the D.A.R.E. program in Franklin County, serving as the inaugural D.A.R.E. officer and as many of his students would remember, McGruff the Crime Dog.

JP was very much a family man and enjoyed having family gatherings that allowed him to be surrounded by friends and loved ones. He was an excellent cook and grill master. JP loved all kinds of sports but especially 49'ers football, Duke Blue Devil's basketball and St. Louis Blues Hockey. He also enjoyed watching his children play sports and was very proud of their athletic accomplishments. Most of all JP loved his beautiful wife and companion, DeAnna. They spent so many memorable times together going on vacations and cruises. JP's presence will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Cousins; one sister, Wilda Dakita Moore; two grandmothers, Wilda McCoy and Annie Cousins.

JP is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, DeAnna Lashley of Villa Ridge; two sons, James Phillip Lashley II of St. Louis and Kevin Michael Lashley and wife Elle Elisabeth of Imperial; one daughter, Alexandria Dominique Lashley of Columbia; three brothers, Jerome Kimple of St. Louis, Timothy Jackson and wife Kelly of Tennessee and Daniel Moore of St. Louis; five sisters, Cassandra Rogers of St. Louis, Karen Clark and husband Courtney of Mississippi, Roseanne Long and husband Robert of St. Louis, Paulette Moore of St. Louis and Regina Eason of St. Louis; his mother, Margaret Lashley of St. Louis; three grandchildren, Stella Rae Lashley, Willa Marie Lashley and Clyde Michael Lashley; Aunt/Sister Jannice Bartee; nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the American Diabetes Association.