John J. Grigas, 57, a lifelong Chicagoan who worked as a police officer and in construction, but had interests from architecture to poetry, died Saturday, Feb. 23, of heart failure while visiting his son in Madison, Wis. Mr. Grigas worked in construction as a superintendent and was a police officer for about 14 years. He also enjoyed art, reading, photography and writing poetry and learning Chinese. His father’s interests were reflected in the title of the Sammy Davis Jr. song “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” said his son John. Mr. Grigas enjoyed working with people and also enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of the construction business, his son said. “His favorite sport was people watching,” he said. Mr. Grigas volunteered for the Park Forest police and worked part time for the Park Forest South police. For nine years in the 1970s and ’80s, he worked for the Palos Park Police Department and became an investigator in the youth division, his son said. An artist who spent his life on the South Side where he was born, Mr. Grigas drew Chicago buildings and photographed weddings. His favorite spot to sketch was at Jackson Park’s Japanese garden. His will, which he had in his pocket the day he died, characterized his attitude toward life. “Cremate. Save ashes for beach party and Viking funeral in Sarasota,” it reads. “Make sure there are at least a couple of kegs on hand. Party down. Music optional, but should include some Randy Travis, some classical. Invite anybody else on the beach.” Other survivors include his wife of 36 years, Sharon; a daughter, Kathleen Dibling; another son, Jim; two brothers, Joseph and Donald; a sister, Jan Magee; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Thornridge Funeral Home, 15801 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Dolton.
