James David Bogard III

James David Bogard III, age 42, of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023, in Minneapolis, MN. James was the first son of James David Bogard, Jr. and Rhonda D. Fletcher, and on the day of his birth, his proud father passed out cigars to everyone within earshot. James graduated from Horace Mann High School and promptly enlisted in the United States Navy. After leaving Gary, he made his way to San Diego, CA, his new home, had three daughters, and lived on the West Coast for almost two decades. Raising the children in his family was his number one priority, and he took it seriously. James loved people and was the life of the party. James was family and friends to all who loved and unapologetic in maintaining strong family-like ties with friends. He was the king of the cookout and used food and his top-notch barbecuing skills to transform friends into family. He loved hard and showed up for those who loved him. His quick wit, humor, laid-back demeanor, and sense of style will be sorely missed. James was preceded in death by his mother, Rhonda Denise Fletcher; his maternal grandfather and grandmother, James and Erceil Fletcher; his paternal grandfather and grandmother, James Bogard, Sr. and Doris Bogard; his aunts, Deborah R. Fletcher and Carol Banister; his uncles Dermont Bogard, Karl Bogard, and Clabe Thompson; two great-grandmothers, Deolous Crawley, Rose Mason; two great-grandfathers, Randall Crouston and Charlie Fletcher; aunts, Ocell A. Crouston and Sadie Lee Dowdell. James is survived by his former wife, Erica Bogard, and their daughters, Tyanna Adaway, Essence Bogard, and Elyse Bogard; daughter, Zyaire Bogard, son, James David Bogard IV; father, James David Bogard, Jr.; sisters, Tamara Bogard and Kenyetta Bogard-Randolph; brothers, Steven E. S. (Ileabeth) Fletcher, Randall P. Bogard, and Tyshaun Bogard; uncles, Darrell Bogard, Johnny Bogard, Paul Bogard, Terrance Bogard, and Zimmie Williams; cousins, Steven and Gloria Ross, Talisa Ross and Akilah Ross, Brett and Serita Thompson, five nieces and three nephews, as well many beloved relatives and friends. His Celebration of Life will be Friday, December 8, 2023, at The Chateau Banquet Hall, 530 W 61st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.