James Bolding

No mystery here that Jim was a guy we all looked up to. All of us who were teammates of Jim's at Oklahoma State continue to miss him each year. I continue to remember that subtle laugh of his. Mike Cole

I joined the track and cross country teams at Oklahoma State University in the fall of 1971. Well before that time, knew who Jim Bolding was because I had a subscription to Track & Field News. I would echo what everyone else has set forth here about our friend. Jim, in my opinion, is the finest track athlete to ever where the Oklahoma State University orange and black track singlet. He was also one of the best teammates a person could have. We remained good friends over the years and I...

I was a teammate of Jim's for one year at OSU and he was the best athlete I ever had the opportunity to know personally. I think he could have played any sport he wanted. But more than that, he was just an extremely decent human being. I had always hoped to reconnect with him one day and was deeply saddened to learn of his passing.

Jim Bolding was one of the greatest track athletes and competitors that I ever knew. From his high school days at U.S. Grant to his 4 years competing at OSU he was a true champion. However as good a runner that he was most will remember him as a geniune, warm and authentic person who had the gift of making everyone who knew him believe that they were his best friend. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Jim was a year ahead of me at OSU but some of my fondest memories as an...

Jim and I were together on the Track Team my last two years at OSU. He was by far the finest athlete I was ever around and an even better human being. Jim and I talked last Fall about the challenges we both have had with cancer. What struck me was the peace he had made with his situation and the humor he still maintained. He will be missed by all who knew him.

I followed Jim at US Grant where Charles Carpenter (no relation) was my coach and when I later ran for OU, Jim's dad gave me summer jobs at an auto parts warehouse. I'll never forget his dad, Doyle, calling me into his office in 1974. He never did that so I thought I'd done something wrong. He closed the door and told me I may the only one in the building that would appreciate what he was going to tell me: "Jim set the world record last night." I couldn't help but tear up. Doyle's quiet...

Jim Bolding was not only a great athlete but one of the finest men you could ever hope to meet. We would see each other at OSU track team reunions and he always had kind words to say about track members of my era. We were also neighbors and friends for several of the past few years. Toni and I want to express our condolences and offer our prayers to the family at this most difficult time.

Bill and Toni Stone

I was a coach at US Grant when Jim was a student-athlete. If I had to describe Jim in a few words, it would be: "A Christian in Track Shoes." He was a model for everything that is good in life and sports. I don't think that I ever heard him say anything bad about anyone, and he was always available to encourage the younger track men. I think that God decided He wanted to have a track team and wanted to start with the best. There is a new star in Heaven tonight. Thank you Jim for many precious...