James Fruin

James Edward Fruin

July 24, 1937 - March 7, 2026

James Edward Fruin, retired Commander of the Chicago Police Department, died peacefully in his home after a long illness on March 7, 2026, with his devoted son Michael by his side. He was 88.

Jim was born on July 24, 1937, to Ethel and James Fruin, joining older sister Ruth in the family. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep before serving in the Army then returned home to join the Chicago Police Department. Quickly finding that detective work was his calling, Jim rose through the ranks and became a sergeant, lieutenant, detective, captain, and served in multiple districts before becoming Commander of Area 5 detectives, where he was known for his dedication, expertise, integrity, and strong work ethic. Jim dutifully served the City of Chicago for 33 years. During his time on the force, late night calls to Uncle Jimmy/Mr. Fruin drove his wife Gloria nuts, but they were always answered.

Following his retirement, Jim launched IFPC Worldwide, a global investigative and security firm. Building on his decades of service in the Chicago Police Department, Jim brought together an international network of associates with extraordinary experience in public and private law enforcement, intelligence, investigations, security consulting, research, planning, behavior and law. Jim cultivated his deep and wide network to build IFPC into a highly successful firm. He worked actively with IFPC until the day he died, calling the shots until the very end.

Jim married Gloria Mogni on November 30th, 1964, and they spent the next nearly 60 years together, until Gloria's death in 2023. Following his retirement from the police department, Gloria and Jim traveled extensively around the world while their home in Edison Park remained their anchor.

Jim loved red wine, the racetrack, playing the lottery, watching sports, slipping cash to his grandchildren, and, most of all, helping and connecting with friends. If, in a conversation with Jim you heard, "I got a guy," you knew things would be taken care of. His stories were legendary and reflected the adventure, fun and mischief that defined his life.

In addition to his son Michael (Bridget), Jim is survived by his loving grandchildren Eleanor, Clare and Seamus; 9 nieces and nephews, 23 grandnieces and nephews, a growing squad of great-grand nieces and nephews, brother-in-law Ben (Renée) Mogni and countless friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, sister Ruth and brother-in-law Jack, nephew Jimmy Mogni, and grandnephews Andrew Mogni and Danny Fischer.

Jim lived a full and vibrant life defined by steadfast loyalty to friends, hard work, and guidance for anyone who sought it. In the face of a difficult diagnosis, Jim always remained positive, was never discouraged by his illness and navigated it on his own terms, to his very last breath. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 10:00am until time of Memorial Mass at 12:00pm at Immaculate Conception Church at 7211 W. Talcott Avenue Chicago, IL 60631. Additional information is available through Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, Chicago, IL. For info call 773-736-3833. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted by Misericordia 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660. Please use the Family number and designate Jim Fruin memorial for PJ Brankin 6074A.