Obituary of James Policandriotes

James Policandriotes

Age 87, of Joliet, IL, passed peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 14, 2018.  James was born November 26, 1930, in Joliet, to the late Marion (nee Franciskovich) and John Policandriotes.  He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School, Class of 1949.  James was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who proudly served his country during the Korean War.

It was from humble beginnings that James began the Polley Speed Shop 56 years ago, in the back yard of the family home on Richards Street and Linden Avenue, with a second hand grinder and a fiercely determined proprietor who could modify any engine to perform better.  After a few years, the shop relocated to a garage on Grant Street, and sometime later, expansion occurred to Railroad Street to accommodate the growing customer base. The present day location, “Polley’s Garage”, on Larkin Avenue, south of I-80, is now in the hands of the second generation and will continue to operate under the same parameters envisioned by Mr. Policandriotes over five decades ago.

He was a member of St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, of which his paternal grandparents were one of the forty founding families of the Croatian Parish in Joliet.  Other affiliations include the Mykonos Society, Ahepa, American Legion Post #1080 and the Irish American Society of County Will.  He also very much enjoyed Sundays at the Croatian Cultural Club with his wife, Pat.  James was a Shriner with the Medinah Temple, serving as President in 1997.

In his younger years, Jim learned to play the accordion and entertained many throughout the area. He also wrestled in high school, boxed while in the Air Force, and earned a black belt in karate at the age of 48.  More recently, he was extremely proud of his personal private museum at “The Survivors” where many local antiques, collectibles etc. are on display.

Beloved husband of 61 years to Patsy (nee Kelone) Policandriotes; loving father of John (Lori, companion) Policandriotes, Gregory (Lynn) Policandriotes, Athena (George) Leimann, Timothy Policandriotes and Patricia (Tom) Pritchard; and the proud grandfather of seven and great grandfather of one.  Also surviving is his sister, Virginia (Steven) Cioce, one niece and one nephew, and his best friend and canine companion, “Tito”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Theodore Policandriotes.

The Policandriotes family will always remember and be grateful to Edwin Betain, who of late was caretaker to James.  His compassion and excellent care will never be forgotten.

Funeral services for James Policandriotes will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N. Broadway St., Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the DAV, the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Will County Humane Society or St. Mary Nativity Church Maintenance Fund would be appreciated.  For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com