James Brill
James Brill
James Brill, age 80, of Dunkirk, died peacefully Thursday, January 23, 2020 at home surrounded by family and friends. He was born November 22, 1939, the son of the late Daniel and Helen (Dobrzynski) Brill. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, of 44 years. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Suzanne Brill, James (Tamura) Brill, Audrey (Charles) Carlson and Paula (Allen) Sims and his step children, Richard (Robin) Riewaldt, Chip (Tara) Riewaldt and Lori Riewaldt and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1958 and then obtained an Associate Degree from Bryant Stratton Business College.
Jim was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer when he joined the Dunkirk Police Department in 1967. He retired in 1989 after 22 years of service. He served as the Field Training Officer (FTO) and trained numerous fellow officers and expanded on the academy training while showing them the “way of the streets”. He was a man of few words and will be remembered for his saying of “keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut.”
Jim was adept at solving burglaries. Upon his retirement he had solved 23 burglaries. After his retirement he loved chatting with the newer officers and sharing his experiences patrolling the Dunkirk streets.
Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 11:00 o’clock at Lakeshore Assembly of God Church, 252 East Main Street, Westfield. The Rev. Vincent Sanzo will officiate. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at McGraw Kowal Funeral Home. Burial will be at Portland Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, NY.
The family would like to thank the personal home care aides and Hospice staff. who so lovingly looked after Jim over the past several months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lakeshore Assembly of God, 252 Main Street, Westfield, NY 14787 or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmont Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.