Jimmy trained me early 1999 and was, by far, the most knowledgeable, professional and compassionate PO’s I have ever been around.  Whenever I hear “1011”, I will always think of Jimmy having such a great sense of humor and being able to make others double over laughing while he was completely straight-faced… a God given talent. Jimmy taught me a career’s worth of knowledge in a short time.  One of the all-time greats, Jimmy Liston, gone way too soon.
*PS* … Yes Sonny, a Professional Police Officer always wears a tie, and the top button should always be buttoned.  And yes, I got my hat. Godspeed my friend. 

Bob Murray
CPD (Ret)
  PO (010, 017, NAGIS)
  SGT (002, CPIC)

Everyone knows what a great guy Jimmy was to be around, but not many know what a Great Public Servant he was. I once asked Jimmy why he stayed working in that very rough neighborhood. Without hesitation he looked right at me with a straight face and said " They need Policemen there".   Rest in Peace my Friend

Jimmy was a one of a kind. I have many memories of Sonny and working in the 10th District. He loved the job and loved his fellow Officers. Thank you Sonny for your smile and memories.

I'm so sorry Kathy. My first day on the street was with a great man . He said to me "hi I'm Sonny Liston your fto we're gonna have fun and we did. I didn't want to go after the watch ended, but Sonny  said tomorrow's another day. I'll we'll miss a great man.

My sincere condolences for your loss. I worked with Jimmy way back in 93'-94' on 1011s beat. He was a true inspiration to me for his professionalism and dedication to true and honest police work.  He was truly a cops cop. I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside Jimmy. Even though it was only for a short time. God bless Jimmy and may he rest in peace.

Jim,you were a great,jolly,dependable, humorous member and asset to the 5-11 Club
and even though the Lord Almighty has you in his hands now we all know that "Those We Love Don't Go Away, They walk beside us every day,Unseen,Unheard,but always near,Still Loved,Still Missed and Forever Dear."

Kathy, family and friends, Jim will be greatly missed by our team and friends at the Shamrock Shuffle and Chicago Marathon. He was a great team member that provided valuable support and contributions within our events and again, will be missed dearly. Sincerely, Michael Nishi

Jimmy will be dearly missed .He was a lovable and funny person ,and I will always keep him in my thoughts . R. Harmon

We send our love and prayers from Michigan.  Love, Tom Fraser and Patti Kenney

Although I had only known Jimmy for a few years in that time we had become good friends.  We had some of the most interesting discussions about some of the strangest things.  He truly taught me things about radio that no else ever did.  I will miss his stories and tales of his adventures in life.   Heaven has a new net controller.  73 my friend!
Jim W9JGH

Jimmy, You will be very much missed

Ron - (Mr Mischief)

Kathy and friends.  I am filled with deep sadness over the loss of Jimmy.  And yet, all I can do now is remember the really great things about him that make me smile.  I knew him mostly as a volunteer ham radio operator for the Chicago Marathon.  In that role, he always came prepared with too many radios (can we have too many radio?  He bailed me out several times!!). He always carried a terrific smile and willing attitude.  His pledge to serve...really to do whatever was necessary... helped me better understand  what kind of Chicago Policeman he must have been.  I will miss his incredible stories and his passion for his diverse interests in science, technology, history, radio, weather and family. Thank you for those fabulous pictures that tell the story of his life. My life is much richer for having worked with Jimmy.  He example continues to inspire me.  Jimmy's wry smile will always remind me to work hard but to laugh more. 

We have all lost a dear friend,  

Rob K9RST

Jimmy was an amazingly dedicated police officer, yet never lost his sense of humor!  I worked with him occasionally in the "old 10"..  Best PO I knew!  So sorry for his loss, sympathy to his family and all who knew him!  His loss is all of our loss.

Kathy and All, I just looked at all the photos in your Jimmy's  site here and he had the happiest face in Chicago, didn't he?  Always with a smile and ready to laugh, even when he was doing his 1011 gig. I'm sorry his life ended so young and sorry for your loss. All I can offer you is a remembrance in my prayers from WI, and may Jimmy know God's peace and everlasting presence now.

Kathy, my heart felt condolences and sympathy to you in this time of your great grief. Jimmy was, no, Jimmy is  truly a wonderful, beautiful person, and one outstanding and dedicated police officer. He will be missed by many, and will be missed by me. A kind and good friend. A kind and good person, who is now patrolling the bricks of gold above and standing watch at those pearly gates. I will remember his laugh and smile, and that wry sense of humor that always found light even in the darkest of time. Jimmy you will always be remembered!! Jimmy you will forever be a founding spirit of the CPD class of 82-4A (Animals)  -- Kelvin Blanks

Never met Jim in person, but he was always pleasant to talk with on ham radio. He will now be a silent key, but we know he will be listening. God bless his family and farewell to N9HSH from K9NJM.

Godspeed brother, remember you from 010, you were the best beat 1011 always fair always had a smile on your face. May God bless you and your family you will not be forgotten!

Dear Jimmy God will protect you now like you did for others my old friend. It was much to early and it makes me wonder if there is a beat 1011 in heaven. but take a little rest before you put on the new uniform you have plenty of time now.  God bless you and your whole family.

Marikay and I were deeply saddened to hear of Jimmy's passing. So many laughs and memories. Sending our thoughts and prayers from afar. RIP Sonny.

Jimmy was a great personality who made the job fun. I loved working with him and it was a privilege to have him on our watch. He was such an asset to the 010th District. You will be missed my friend, God Speed

Jimmy was loved by everyone at the 5-11 Club of Chicago and was a great friend to all who knew him. He will be missed dearly!  My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Kathy, our deepest sympathy on your tragic loss.  Our girls have never forgotten your time and commitment to them on HF's Field Hockey teams. Nikki, Marny and Maura count those years as some of the most memorable of their early years.  We thank you for the example you set as a young professional woman excelling in life.

Jimmy was a good friend of mine at St Rene grammar school and through high school.  I will always remember his laughter and wit and his good heartedness.  His friendship meant so  much to me.  Thank you, Jimmy.  God bless your familyou during this difficult time.

I was sorry to hear that Jimmy had passed on!  I will remember him and his family in my prayers.

Hamfesters Radio Club will never be the same without you. Your bigger than life presence will be missed. 73, de Jim Riley W9JPR

God Bless! Godspeed my friend. 

Detective William F. Kazupski
Chicago Police

Jimmy   you will deeply  missed  RIP 1011

 Rest in peace Jim and may God's grace be with you

Cronkhite - I never met your husband but know he made you happy and that's the key!  You're a trooper so you had to marry a policeman - hugs to you, and keep up the strength and courage.  

Liz Klos

Kathy, Kevin and I are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you in CO.

We knew Jimmy N9HSH  from CARMA & Hamfesters radio clubs and  enjoyed talking to him about his CPD & radio histories, going to Dayton and other events. We are proud to have picked Jimmy as Hamfester of the year for all the things he did for our club. Now that he is a SK we hope he gets his well deserved rest Condolences to all his family members personal , radio and CPD & CFD  
 N9KWG & KC9NRH 73's to you we will all miss you

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains.  Jim will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 11 DEC, 11:00 a.m. at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd.  In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God!   [www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]

Thinking of you Kathy and all Jimmy's family at this sad time. Both yourself and Jimmy were very good to us when we visited Chicago. Take care from all in Kingscourt  . John, Trish, Katelyn  & Alannah McDaniel , Kingscourt, Co.Cavan, Ireland.

Kathy, I am so very sorry for your loss.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy,
We are praying for you from Arizona.  Sympathy for you and your family, pets and friends.  At this hard time put your faith in God and his plan.  Your forever MSU Spartan friend.  Amy Hughes

Jimmy was a unique man and friend. He will be greatly missed,"from the tables down at Morrie's to the place where Louie dwells"Prayers for you and your family Kathy. God Bless !!

I remember Jim fondly from DePaul University in the mid-seventies.  I remember him as a happy, upbeat guy.  My condolences to the entire family.

Kathy,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.  May you have peace and comfort.  Know that you are in my prayers.

Much love,

Holly Donaghy, H-F, Class of 1984

OBITUARY

James R. "Jimmy" Liston

October 24, 1955 – December 3, 2016

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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