Obituary of James J. Albritton
James J. Albritton
Retired Captain James Albritton, of the Joliet Police Department died unexpectedly Friday morning September 14, 2018. He was born July 30, 1951 in Peoria, IL to the late Dorothy (nee McGrath) and Fay Albritton. Jim was raised in Joliet and attended St. Patrick Grade School, Joliet Catholic High and subsequently graduated from the International High School of Brussels while the family lived there for several years. He received a Bachelor Degree from the College of St. Francis, graduating Summa Cum Laude. A U.S. Army Veteran who served during Vietnam.
A memorable long-time law enforcement officer for the City of Joliet, he served from 1983-1994 as a patrol officer, then a Lieutenant Administrator from 1994-1998 promoted to Captain in 1998 until his retirement in 2008.
Beloved father of Kendra Albritton and Devyn (Cory) Wingerter; proud grandfather of Kendra Overstreet, Aidan Overstreet, Chase Wingerter and Madison Wingerter; dear brother of Lora Albritton and Robert Smith; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sisters, Anne Birong, Susan Worley and Mary Jo Smith.
Jim’s community service was extensive. Memberships included the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge #300, BPOE Joliet Lodge #296, the Exchange Club, American Legion Post #1080, Knights of Columbus Council 12014, Irish American Society of County Will, the Merit Commission and the Joliet Chamber of Commerce. He founded “Shop with a Cop” to ensure all area kids had a bright holiday season. He served on the board of director for the Salvation Army and was their former President. He elected to the Joliet Park District and served as Commissioner and the Will County Center for Independent Living. He also enjoyed his role in special events for the Prairie Trail Credit Union and of course serving spaghetti annually for the Fraternal Order of Police.
His absence will be felt by his family, friends and the community he loved so much, yet remembered fondly for his friendly disposition, keen sense of humor and always finding time to help when called upon.
Visitation for Jim will be held Tuesday September 18, 2018 from 3-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Funeral services will take place Wednesday September 19, 2018, 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. As it was Jim’s request cremation rites will be accorded following Mass and Inurnment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name can be made to Families of Fallen Officers or Joliet Area Community Hospice. For information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
