James J. Twohill

James John Twohill, age 66, passed away suddenly on September 10, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, service, friendship, and memories that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim was born on June 18, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Burbank, Illinois. He attended Reavis High School, where he was student body president and captain of the wrestling team. It was also at Reavis where Jim met the love of his life, Robyn, whom he would go on to marry. Together, they built a family that became the center of Jim’s world, welcoming their daughter, Brooke, in 1989, followed by their son, Brett, in 1996. His passion for wrestling continued beyond his high school years, as he also dedicated his time to coaching young athletes with the Panthers Wrestling Club.

In 1982, Jim became one of the original officers sworn into the Burbank Police Department. Over the course of his 28 years with the department, he served in multiple positions and steadily worked his way up to Lieutenant of Detectives. Throughout his career, Jim continued to pursue opportunities to learn and serve his community. In 2000, he graduated from the Northwestern University Traffic Institute School of Police Staff and Command. He also served as Assistant Commander of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and as Commander of the Fifth District Case Unit.

After retiring from the Burbank Police Department, Jim continued his commitment to public service, joining the Moraine Valley Police Department as a Sergeant. He proudly served there for 16 years, continuing to make an impact on the people and community around him until his passing.

While Jim was immensely proud of his career and his commitment to serving others, his greatest joy was always his family and friends. He made spending time with the people he loved a priority. As a father, he coached Brooke and Brett in softball, baseball, and basketball as they grew up. As the years went on, he could always be found in the stands, enthusiastically cheering on his children at their high school and college sporting events, as well as supporting them in their coaching endeavors. He never missed an opportunity to show up for the people he loved.

Jim was also a lifelong sports fan and a true Chicago sports junkie. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing 16-inch softball, and in his later years, he took up golf, playing as often as he could with the group of friends he affectionately called the “Bucket Club.” He could always be counted on to passionately cheer for his Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Chicago Bulls.

But those who knew Jim will remember that his greatest gift had nothing to do with sports, work, or any particular accomplishment. Jim was the light in every room he walked into. He had an incredible ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and like they had known him forever. Everywhere he went, he seemed to know someone—and that person always had nothing but wonderful things to say about him.

Jim never wanted the night to end and never wanted good company to leave. He was famous for encouraging friends and family to stay just a little longer, usually with his favorite phrase: “One for the ditch.” It was his way of asking for one more drink, one more conversation, one more laugh, and just a little more time together.

He brought joy and positivity wherever he went, and he had a remarkable ability to put others before himself. Even during years that included immunotherapy and multiple surgeries, Jim continued to focus on the people around him. Rather than asking for sympathy, he would ask how he could help someone else. That was simply who he was.

Jim was the best Husband, Dad, Pop Pop, Son, Brother and Uncle anyone could ask for. He was a devoted friend, a mentor, a protector, and a role model. He lived his life with generosity, humor, loyalty, and an unwavering love for the people around him.

To know Jim was to know someone who made life better just by being there. He leaves behind a legacy not only of dedicated service, but of countless friendships, unforgettable stories, laughter, and a family who was deeply loved.

Jim was simply the best in every way—a true role model for what a man should be. He will be loved, remembered, and missed more than words can express.

Preceded in death by his father, Michael Twohill; In laws, Robert and Dorothy Canan; brothers-in law, Robet Canan Jr. and Robert Rumbaugh

Survived by his beloved wife, Robyn Twohill (nee Canan); loving children, Brooke (Chris) Thayer and Brett Twohill (fianceé Hannah Knox); grandson, Tripp Thayer; mother, Carol Twohill; siblings, Vicky (Rich) Gutierrez, Tony (Dawn) Twohill, Mark Twohill and Carol Rumbaugh; brothers-in-law, Ken Canan and Dick (Neda) Canan; many nieces and nephews

Visitation Friday, September 18, 2026 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at O’NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport.

Friday, September 18, 2026, Police Department Walk-Through will begin promptly at 6:00pm. All participating law enforcement agencies are invited to assemble at the funeral home prior to the walk-through to honor and pay their respects.

Funeral Saturday, September 19, 2026 with eulogies and chapel prayers beginning at 8:30am at the funeral home and then proceeding to St. Patrick Church (200 E. Illinois St., Lemont) for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Cremation Private.

For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com