James J. Egem

James J. Egem of McHenry Friends may greet the family of James J. Egem, 57, from 1:30 p.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral Mass is celebrated at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry. Inurnment will be at a later date in St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles. Born March 20, 1948, in Chicago, to James and June G. (nee Baker) Egem, he passed away Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at his home. Raised in Chicago, he received his secondary education in Willowbrook. Following high school, he learned the trade of auto mechanics. He also volunteered with the Villa Park Fire Department. In June, 1968, he applied and successfully tested to become a law enforcement officer for the Lombard Police Department. In May, 1974, Jim was severely injured in the line of duty, and he was placed on permanent disability by the department. He continued to live in the greater Lombard area for a number of years until moving to the McHenry area in 1996. An avid hockey fan, he had enjoyed playing hockey and also following NHL games. Other enjoyments included fishing on Lake Michigan, golfing, the Chicago Cubs and Bears, as well as his feline companion, Missy. Survivors include a son, James Bass of Cresco, Iowa; a granddaughter, Carolyn Bass; his father, Eugene Beranek; sister, Christine (Paul) Berezowski of Johnsburg; brother, Thomas (Tina) Beranek of Chicago; and nieces and nephews, Tom, Nikole, Jennifer and Ashley Beranek, and Michael, David (Jennifer) and Jason (Katie) Berezowski. He was preceded in death by his father, James Egem; and his mother, June Egem Beranek. Memorials to the charity of one's choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements were made by the George R. Justen & Son Funeral Home, McHenry. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.justenfh.com. For information, 815-385-2400.