James G. Police Jr. (Jim) of Dedham, a loving husband, father and mentor, passed away Sunday, May 11, at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was 64. He was the beloved husband of Nancy Ann (Bongiorno) Police.
Born and raised in Dedham, the son of the late James G. and Jenny A. (DiPietro) Police, he lived his life dedicated to both family and community. While attending Dedham High School, Class of 1961, Jim excelled as a three sport varsity athlete. After graduating from UMass Amherst in 1965, Jim went on to serve two years in the United States Army before starting his job as a health and physical education teacher in the Dedham School System where he would work for 32 years. While at Dedham High, Jim launched the school’s first wrestling program in 1970 and proceeded to win 7 sectional titles and 5 Bay State League Championships. Jim’s team held the record for the longest winning streak for consecutive dual meet wrestling victories in Massachusetts - an impressive 52 straight wins. Over 13 years, Jim’s teams compiled a win/loss record of 150 wins to just 32 losses. After turning over the reigns of the Dedham program, he continued to coach wrestling at both UMass Boston and Newton South High School. His commitment to coaching and mentoring wrestlers earned him a slot in both the Massachusetts Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Dedham High School Athletic Hall of Fame, inducted to both in 2000.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Rachel Lee Police of Boston and Joshua James Police of South Portland, ME, and his siblings, Julie Cohen of Marlboro and Donald Police of Miami, FL. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and former athletes.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham, Thursday, at 8 AM. Funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham, at 9 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Wednesday from 3-8 PM. Interment Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. The Police family has established a scholarship in Jim’s name. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the James G. Police Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Dedham Savings Bank, 55 Elm St., Dedham, MA 02026.