James L. Bolger Jr.

Former Topps executive and Dallas resident, James Lewis Bolger Jr., passed away Saturday, March 27, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz.

A son of the late James L. and Florence Bolger, also formerly of Dallas, Jim was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y.

He graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory School and St. Francis of Loretto College.

He married Jane Reilly, also of Brooklyn, who preceded him in death in 1997.

Mr. Bolger served with the Army during the Korean War in Germany and, upon discharge, took up a management career with Beech Nut Foods in upstate New York.

He was recruited by Topps Chewing Gum as its chief purchasing executive and moved to the area in 1960.

He fathered three children, Kathleen Marie, James L. III and Brianne.

Mr. Bolger was actively involved in Gate of Heaven Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and Topps Management Golfing League. He spent his free time playing duplicate bridge and overseeing the care of his aging parents and growing family. In the spring of 1986, his son, then 29, was killed in a tragic car accident.

In 1993, he and his wife moved from their Dallas Township, Midland Drive home to the Towne Shores Condominium Development in Gulfport, Fla. There he became involved in the Master's Board of Towne Shores, serving as controller for several years.

Mr. Bolger is survived by his two daughters, Kathleen Watson, a professional pharmacist in Glendale, Ariz., and Brianne Beltz, a real estate management executive for Benchmark Properties in Tallahassee, Fla. He is also mourned by two much-loved sons-in-law, Jeff Watson and Rick Beltz; grandchildren, Jeff Watson Jr., Patrick Watson, Ricky Beltz, Robyn Beltz and Lauren Beltz.

Private interment services will be held at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater, Fla.

Friends of the family may send condolences to Mrs. Brianne Beltz, 2220 Trescott Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308-0928; and/or to Mrs. Kathleen Watson, 17817 N. 64th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308-1177.