Obituary of James Arthur Diedrich
James Arthur “Jim” Diedrich, age 57, of Shorewood, passed away suddenly, Saturday, September 1, 2018, from natural causes. Born May 17, 1961 in Joliet, he was the second youngest child of Arthur M. and Norma (nee Fumagalli) Diedrich. Jim was a graduate of Dirksen Jr. High School, Joliet Central High School, Joliet Junior College, and Governors State University, Class of 1984. He worked as an Operator at LyondellBasell/ Equistar Chemicals for 28 years. In 2006 he was promoted to Lieutenant on the emergency response team, HAZMAT tech.
He married his beloved wife, Karen (nee Perry) Diedrich on October 27, 1989. She survives along with his two loving children, Sarah Virginia Diedrich and Grant Arthur Diedrich; and his parents, Arthur and Norma Diedrich of Joliet/Spring Hill, FL. He is also survived by his siblings, Karen A (Edward) Fals, Thomas A. (Janet) Diedrich, and Robert P. Diedrich; his mother-in-law, LeEtta R. Perry; his wife’s siblings, Gregory and Susan (Perry) Peyla, and Jeffery and Ellen (Perry) Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Anita L. Peters and Susan Diedrich; a brother-in-law, David L. Perry; and his father-in-law, Peter G. Perry.
Jim always left people with a smile on their face with his gift of humor. He was an amazing provider to his wife and children. He was a proud family man. He loved working in his yard and always enjoyed being outdoors, especially backyard barbeques. He also loved music, live concerts, traveling with family to tropical locations and taking long walks on the beach.
Visitation for Jim Diedrich will be held Friday, September 7, 2018, from 3:00-9:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Memorials in his name to Heartland Blood Center or the Morton Arboretum would be appreciated. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
