Jim was born on September 1, 1945 in Maywood, Illinois to Bess D Saunders and James D. Polis.
He attended Proviso West High School and graduated from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. While at NIU he met Adrienne L. Bartels and they were married in Downers Grove, Illinois on August 5, 1967.
The couple lived in the Chicago suburbs and had a daughter Karen Kristine in 1970. They moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1974 and had a second daughter Laura Elaine in 1977. Jim worked as a bank examiner for Key Bank and the State of Wyoming and obtained his CPA certificate. By 1980 Jim had established his own accounting firm in Cheyenne and Douglas. and the family moved to Douglas. Jim and Adrienne moved to Laramie in 1999 and remained there until his death. While in Laramie he obtained a Master of Business
Administration from the University of Wyoming.
Coming of age in the 60’s, Jim loved rock & roll, especially the Beatles and the Beachboys. Riding horses, zooming along on a snowmobile or driving a fast car made him happy. He loved hunting and target shooting. He had many hunting dogs over the years that he worked with and ran in hunt tests. Jim and his dogs
twice went to the National Hunt tests and his dogs were awarded Senior Hunter rating and Master Hunter rating. He enjoyed traveling with his wife especially to Hawaii.
Jim is survived by his wife Adrienne, daughter Laura Van Alyne, grandsons Robert and James Van Alyne and nephew Andrew Merrick.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Kristine Polis and his father and mother James D. Polis and Bess Saunders Polis.
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025 at St. Paul’s Newman Center.
Jim was a good friend that I really miss!
Adrienne, I'm so sorry to hear about Jim. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you often and miss you.
Thinking of you. So glad I ran into you a few weeks ago and was able to give you a hug as we shared stories of our families' traumas and journeys this past year. Take solace in your memories.
We express our strongest codolences to you and your family.May Jim rest in peace. Phil
I'm so sorry to hear about Jim passing.
Deepest sympathies to you Adrienne. I know you have a ton of great memories. Sending special prayers for you.
Adrienne, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Janie Moore
Adrienne and family. Thinking last week of the year you two spent 4 th of July with us here in Cody. So sorry to read of Jim’s passing. Thoughts for you to have peace and assurance. As the days come forth. Kris and Bob