Retired Chicago Police Officer James Edward Drish passed away peacefully on January 6th, 2021 at the age of 77. James was born on July 12, 1943 in Chicago to retired Chicago Firefighter Norman W. Drish and Sarah C. Drish (Cali).
Shortly after graduating from Wescott High School in 1961, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1965 and served in Germany until 1967.
On March 11, 1968, James entered the Chicago Police Department Academy at O’Brien Street.
Upon completion, he was deployed to work the Chicago Democratic National Convention riots.
He began his career assigned to the 007th District Englewood, 008th District Chicago Lawn, 009th District Deering, Marine Unit and Traffic Unit. James received many department commendations and awards and retired from the 001st District Central in 1998 after 30 years of distinguished service.
During his retirement, James enjoyed gardening, reading the daily newspaper with a pot of coffee, watching John Wayne and Clint Eastwood westerns and spending quality time with family.
James was preceded in death by his sister Mary Ann Drish, brothers retired Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Ronald Drish, George Drish and Larry Drish.
James is survived by his wife, retired Chicago Police Officer Marilyn J. Goytia Drish. He was a loving father to his daughters Julie Ann Aiello (Michael), Jennifer Lee Wennerstrom, Jill Marie Bondi (Jason) his son - Chicago Police Officer James N. Drish (Dulce) and was the proud grandfather of Beth Kops, Nicholas Barnabee, Alexandra Leigh Terry, Brooke Lynn Wennerstrom, Aiden Edward Bondi, Isabella Drish and Natalia Drish.
James is further survived by his brother, retired Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Thomas Drish (Patricia), nieces, nephews, other relatives and family friends.
James will be remembered by family and friends as a loving father, humorist with a quick wit and infectious smile, a proud patriot and US Army veteran who loved his fast cars and driving at a high rate of speed.
Visitation for James will be on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ridge Funeral Home, (Edward A. Tylka Manager) 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, January 13th at 11 a.m. Funeral service will be live-streamed at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/RidgeFuneral/. Graveside service will be on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 41st and Oak Park Avenue, Stickney, IL 60402.
Ridge Funeral Home will adhere to current COVID restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allows 10 or fewer guests at a time. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times. No food will be allowed at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding. For more information, please call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Drish family.
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