James Joseph Begley, retired CPD, of Chicago, age 93, passed away peacefully on September 12th. surrounded by his family. James was the beloved husband of over 58 years to the late Colette M. (nee Wall), loving and devoted father of Mary (Giuseppe) Saso and Sheila Begley; cherished grandfather of Megan and Caitlin; fond uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. Dear cousin and friend to many. He will be missed by his sister, Mary Wilson (late Francis) and his sister-in-law, Mary Shaughnessy (late Donald). Loving brother-in-law of the late James and Rita Wall and Raymond and Gina Arndt. James was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Martin and Mary (O’Shea) Begley and his in-laws, James and Irene Wall. James was a dedicated and proud Chicago Police Lieutenant for over 37 years before he retired from the 16th District in 1995.
James will be remembered for his warmth, kindness and generosity. He was the definition of a true gentleman and never had a bad word to say about anyone. James was a devoted husband and father who always put his family first throughout the years. He was so proud of his granddaughters, Megan and Caitlin, who followed in their grandmother’s footsteps and became registered nurses this year. There was nothing he enjoyed more than taking his granddaughters to get ice cream at Sweet Oasis. A lifelong Chicagoan, James attended St. Mel’s High School where he played football and basketball. He was proud of his Irish roots and was a devout Catholic who lived his faith in his everyday actions.
The Begley family would like to thank James’s devoted and beloved caregivers, Jomar, Mona, Ronald, Seth, James, Michael and Carm who lovingly cared for him this year. A special thank you to Vitas Hospice for a peaceful end to his earthly journey.
Visitation Friday, September 19th from 9:30 AM until time of prayer 11:00 AM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. (1/2 Block East of Austin) to St. Robert Bellarmine. Mass 11:30 AM. Interment following Mass at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com.
