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James P. Bolger, Jr.
1938 - 2015
James P. Bolger, Jr.
1938 - 2015
Obituary
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James Bolger, Jr. Obituary
He attended Purcell High School. He graduated from Xavier University in 1961 with his undergraduate degree and in 1968 with his Masters. Jim owned and operated the Bolger Insurance Agency for over 35 years. After playing basketball, football and running track at Purcell High School, Jim earned a four-year college scholarship to Xavier University in 1957 to play football. Following his undergraduate degree in 1961, Jim's love of sports and mentoring others guided him to coaching and teaching at LaSalle HS, as well as, Newport Central Catholic HS. He also coached football at McNicholas HS. He started the football program at Immaculate Heart of Mary and coached there for over 18 years. In 2008, IHM named their football field in his honor. Jim's most recent honor was his induction into the Purcell Athletic Hall of Fame in February, 2015. Jim's faith, hard work, dedication and love of helping others not only helped him achieve an outstanding athletic career, but also, an even more successful family life. His most important love was for his wife and family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 12 Noon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Visitation in church from 10:00am until the time of Mass. Online condolences at rohdefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to the Jim Bolger, Jr. memorial fund (found at any Fifth Third Bank). Donations will be allocated to; Parkinson's Research , Jim Bolger Scholarship Fund at Purcell School, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Mike Hunter
October 1, 2019
I was very sorry to learn today of Jim's passing. He was a remarkable man. He coached me at IHM 1974 - 1976. He was a very compassionate man and mentor. He didn't limit his interest in you after he was no longer your coach. He would follow you through your life. I remember him showing up at our regional wrestling tournament at Reading High School my senior year at McNick. He didn't know very much about wrestling, but was there to support us. Several years later, I had the pleasure of coaching his son, Jim, at McNick. I was once again able to enjoy his company. I moved away from Cincinnati shortly after that and lost contact with Jim. I feel honored to have known him and consider him a lifetime friend!!! I smile when I think of him!
Ted Dawson
May 29, 2019
My continued thoughts of Jim remind me of his stellar character as Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Teacher, Coach, Athlete, Citizen, and long time friend. Peace and best wishes to the Bolger family.
Ted Dawson
Indianapolis, In
May 29, 2019
June 10, 2015
Al and Beth,
Sincere condolences in the loss of Jim. I'm recalling the fun times sister Margo and I had with Beth, Al, and Jim after our families moved from Mt. Lookout to the Watch Hill area. Dunwoodie and Wildflower Trail neighbors. Good times through school and socializing afterwards. Jim was such an enjoyable guy to be with. Peace and love to all the Bolgers.
Ted and Margaret Dawson, Indianapolis
Lori (Knollman) Wilhoit
June 9, 2015
Mrs. Bolger, Brian, Jenny and whole Bolger family-
My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a wonderful man he was... I will never forget his wonderful smile and kind words he always had for me. I loved coming home during high school evenings and seeing him and my dad sitting and laughing at the kitchen table reminiscing. He brought a smile to everyone's face who had the pleasure of knowing him! I'm very sorry for your loss. Truly a one of a kind wonderful guy!
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Steve Massa
June 8, 2015
So sorry to hear of Mr. Bolger's passing. He taught so many good things to so many kids. His passion for football and for life were contagious.
Playing football for him and his coaching squad are some of the fondest memories I have growing up. He could be tough, and he made sure we did it right, over and over again- just how many times can you go over I set right, ice inside? :) Doing it until you got it right, into the dark. A great lesson to take forward into the world in whatever you chose to pursue. He was also a tremendous motivator, especially for a 90 pound pulling guard. Every player on our team would run through a wall for him. We had some great players but we still played well above our overall talent level.
I only wish that we could have won that championship for him (plus I wouldn't have to hear my brother brag that his team was the first to do it)!
Godspeed Mr. Bolger, you will be missed by all!
Bolger family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve Massa
Bob Seither
June 6, 2015
Deepest sympathy to all of you, for your loss. Cherlein we just found out about Jim at the 5:00 o'clock mass Saturday and couldn't believe it. We'll keep all of you in are prayers.
Terry, Bob and Rosie your old neighbors.
Tom Dreyer
June 6, 2015
Very sorry about the loss of Jim. Such a good friend. Sorry I could not be there. Having some medical problems. My prayers are with the family.
Katie
June 6, 2015
Deepest sympathy to the Bolger family. I remember your house in Summit and all the kids running around and fun times at Summit Swim club. A beautiful family and Jim was a one of a kind. His love of life was contagious and the most generous man. God bless all of you and know that Jim's spirit will always remain in all our hearts. Love from the Christin family.
Beth Bolger-Moran
June 5, 2015
Dear Charlein,
We shall all miss Jim. He was a great brother, husband and father. He was always so happy even when he was sick. He always gave me courage. We loved him very much.
Love, Beth, Bill and family.
June 5, 2015
To My Good Friend, Jim
I have had the pleasure and feel so fortunate to have known you for 63 years. You always had a smile and kind words for everyone that you met. I and all your classmates will miss you.
God Bless You,
Larry and Mary Ann McGraw
Also, to Char and your family,
You have our sincere sympathy.
Greg Kelly
June 5, 2015
I am so sorry to know that Coach Bolger has left us. Though I rarely had the opportunity to catch up with Coach as I have lived in Denver most of my adult life, it leaves a bit of a hole knowing he isn't here with us any longer. I look at the picture of him and it's the same guy I always knew. There was always a hint of a smile either on his face or in his voice. I can even hear the tone of his voice and his manner of speaking. A lot of memories come to mind. Coach Bolger lived a block away from me and coached me in 7th & 8th grade football ('73 & '74). On practice days I'd head over to Coach's house, say hi to Mrs. Bolger who was always perfectly put together and pleasant in spite of her having what seemed like 15 kids running around her :) - and pile in the car with Coach. We'd talk football over and back. That was a subject Coach never tired of. He was always warm and kind with us kids and treated us like we were his own. He taught us the game and one theme was simple, stupid. Nothing flashy, just know what you have to do and do it right and do it consistently. Pretty good life lesson as well I'd say. We lost a good man and he will be missed.
YOLANDA
June 5, 2015
May the ' God of all comfort ' sustain you at this most difficult Time.
Jack & Pamela Arbino
June 5, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jack will cherish the times spent with Jim at all the lunches they had together.
frank & Rose Urban
June 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of Jims passing. We were neighbors on Eglington for several years. Our boys spent many hours with the Bolger boys. Have some great memories. Our prayers are with your family
Christina O'Connor
June 4, 2015
Dear Jenn and family,
So very sorry for the loss of your father. Hold precious your memories, they will bring you much comfort during this difficult time. God bless you and your family. Love, Dan, Christina and Sam O'Connor
June 4, 2015
Even when I knew Jim in high school days, he was a gentleman with dignity and integrity. And that smile.
My sympathy to the family.
Kitty (Hynes) Dewey
Keene Kelly
June 4, 2015
A gentleman of excellent character, a great athlete and representative of Xavier.
June 4, 2015
Dear Char and family
Always a smile on his face, an encouraging word and a positive influence on children while coaching.
It was a privilege to know him as a neighbor and friend.
Karen Talty
joseph Glatthaar
June 4, 2015
It's amazing how many lives we affect in our life time. After fifty years plus I still remember coach Bolger as a man who gave his best to make you the best you could be. To coach's family I want to extend my sincere sympathies. Good people go in peace to very good places.
Steve Bolger
June 4, 2015
Thanks for the prayers and kind words about my Dad. He was such a special man but more than anything a great father, grandfather and loving husband to my wonderful Mom. He'll always be in my heart and I'll miss him dearly. For the rest of my life I'll thank God every day for letting him be my Dad.
Stephanie Mink
June 3, 2015
God bless you
June 3, 2015
Dearest Charlein and Bolger family,
How very saddened I am to learn of Jim's death. What a beautiful legacy he leaves behind, not only in the lives of all of his children and grandchildren but also in the lives of the many students he coached at IHM. He was one of a kind and we will all miss him greatly.
With my love and prayers,
Carol Kelly
June 3, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. He was a good and loving father and always had a smile for everyone. Thinking of you, Edie and Bill Mink
Frank Rottmueller
June 3, 2015
We never know what the future holds for us.
As I reflect back when we were kids on Cryer & Duncan, we had good times growing up.
I can recall the good times our parents had at the numerous parties
they attended over the years.
The Twins 70th B-day.
Kelly Bolger
June 3, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Jim was a wonderful and loving man. We will always remember him enjoying life. Whether it was at an XU game, by a pool, or just hanging out with family, he always had a smile on his face. We are so happy for the times we were able to spend with him, and sorry there couldn't be more. Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Kelly & Brian Balick
June 3, 2015
Attn:Mr. Al Bolger
I wish to extend my sympathy,Al,on the passing of Jim. If I were not going to be in Houston on Sat., I would attend Mass in his memory.
Several years ago when he was seriously ill, I wrote him telling him the joy I had recovering from double bypass surgery. Later, I saw him at a Purcell-St.X. golf outing and we discussed how good it was to get back on our feet.
Again, my sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Dick Rensing, St.X.'57
Beth Tepe Lynch
June 3, 2015
Charlein dear......so sorry for the loss of your dear Jim. He was always so nice to me as a girl. I have fond memories of the Purcell guys who called me "little Tep". May the Lord heal your heart.....please accept my deep sympathy.
Karen Bizzell
June 3, 2015
Sharon and Bolger family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I know how much you loved him Sharon, always talking about how good he was to everyone and how much you loved him. May you all find comfort that he is with our Lord Jesus and you will meet with him again in heaven!!!
Pamela Walsh
June 3, 2015
Sharon and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss and have you and yours in our prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Walsh Family
Doug, Pam, DJ and Darren
Jim Duff
June 3, 2015
XU Class of '62 lost a great Muskie. We all will miss a great guy.
Bill Moran, Jr.
June 3, 2015
Uncle Jim had a tremendous influence on my life. He was always genuinely interested in others. His smile was so welcoming. His family was his life. He loved them and they loved him. He will be dearly missed by all those in his life. His family has all our love and prayers.
June 3, 2015
Mrs Bolger, Steve and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Mr Bolger was a kind and generous man. You are in our prayers.
Peggy sand Jo Anne
Matt Kelly
June 3, 2015
Coach Bolger was all the best there is in life. Full of passion, always an encouraging word, ever supportive, he was indeed one-of-a-kind and will be missed by the Kelly family and so many others.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bolger family for the great loss. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
God bless the Bolger family...rest easy Coach.
young
June 3, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
June 3, 2015
From all of us at Diversified Brokerage Specialists, Jim is a class act and was always a gentleman. One of our favorite agents. We will all miss working with Jim.
Jeff Mohr
President
Debbie Fairhead
June 3, 2015
Dear Char,
I was saddened to learn of Jim's death, through Skip Wagner (an agent in our agency) today. He has always been so soft-spoken and nice to work with, and conscientious about his clients' welfare.
My prayers are with you and your whole family during this time of grief and remembrance.
Dina De Lorenzo
June 3, 2015
Mrs. Bolger, Steve and The Bolger Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories of your husband/father/grandfather help you find peace.
June 3, 2015
Dearest Sharon and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time
luv,
Angie Matacia-Huth
Bill, Jennifer and Andrew Fehn
June 3, 2015
We send our most sincere sympathy to you at this time of sorrow. We pray for your family and for healing in your hearts. May you always treasure the memories that you have gathered over the many years, and take comfort in them now.
Harry and Karen Heskamp
June 3, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Charlein and the whole family. Jim was a wonderful person and always had a kind word to say about everybody.He had a heart of gold. All our love to all.
June 3, 2015
I'M VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE KNOW THAT YOU'RE NOT IN THE BEST WAY. BUT? TRUST ONE THING"OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL BRING COMFORT TO ALL SOON!
Larry O'Connor
June 3, 2015
One of the nicest guys in the Purcell class of '57. Our prayers go out to the Bolger family. Mary & Larry O'Connor
Amy Pennekamp
June 3, 2015
Charlein,
We are very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed talking with Jim at XU basketball games. He was such a nice man. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gregg, Julia, Amy and Steve
Jimmy Williams
June 3, 2015
Steve and the entire Bolger Family,
Your dad was so special to me and my family. He lit up the room and all of us who he coached. My heart goes out to you. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Mark Stutler
June 3, 2015
He was, and is, the best role model a young man could have. His lessons of respect, hard work, and tough love will always be with me. Football was just a teaching vehicle for Coach Bolger.
And I've never seen a husband as loving and respectful as Mr. Bolger was of Mrs. Bolger.
Mark & Doris Haselwood
June 3, 2015
He will be greatly missed. Jim was a special person and long time friend. Your family is in our prayers. Love, Mark/Doris Haselwood and Mark/Lisa Hatton and family.
Ken & Cathy Rich
June 3, 2015
Charlein,
We were so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the strength and comfort you need during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ken & Cathy Rich
Dotty VanPelt
June 3, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Dotty VanPelt
Chris and Bill Blair
June 3, 2015
To Char and the entire Bolger Family. Our deepest sympathy on Jim's passing. While Chris and I have only known Jim for a few years we came to admire him for his love of family and his wholesome values. Deep Regrets. Chris and Bill Blair
Carol Simons
June 3, 2015
Jim was a big man with a big heart and owned a smile that brightened the day of everyone he met. Although Parkinson's slowed him down, he battled the disease relentlessly and was an inspiration to many. I will miss him in our exercise classes and never forget him. Such a gentleman and loving person!
May your memories be full of the happy times you had with him.
June 2, 2015
Thinking of the Bolger Family. What a wonderful man! Love to all of you during this time.
Steven and Gina Kuszmaul
Goodyear, Arizona
Julie Dean
June 2, 2015
Our prayers go out to all of you during this most difficult time. Jim always brought a smile to our faces and was always so kind to our family. We always enjoyed visiting with him and listening to his stories. We hope you find some peace knowing that he will be a part of your lives forever. He was / is an inspiration to our family.
Sincerest condolences,
The Dean Family (Julie Baumel & David, Paul & Evan)
June 2, 2015
He was a special Husband, Dad, Grandfather and friend to all. Jerry will miss him dearly. He was always glad to talk to him. He had a smile for everyone and open and friendly to all. Great guy overall!
Our deepest sympathy to all of you,
Jerry and Barb Hornback
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