James Cecil "Jimmy" Boone

James Cecil Boone, lovingly known as Jimmy, passed away on February 3, 2026.

Jimmy was born on May 29, 1935, to Josephine and Alton Boone. The oldest of three children, he grew up surrounded by family, faith, and friendship. He attended Christ the King Grade School and Flaget High School before continuing his education at the University of Louisville, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and his degree from the School of Dentistry. During his college years, he was a proud member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

On December 28, 1957, Jimmy married the love of his life, Rosemary Mathews. Their marriage was a true partnership and the foundation of a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

After practicing dentistry for two years, Jimmy was drafted into the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis, serving as a Captain. His time in the Army became a lifelong memory he cherished and spoke of with great pride.

Jimmy lived a life rich with passions and pursuits. His first career was as a swim coach at Fountain Ferry, Crescent Hill, and Louisville Country Club, where he taught hundreds of children and adults to swim-his favorite students always being his four children. He later practiced dentistry for more than 46 years, a profession he truly loved. Jimmy was also a boat captain who delighted in cruising the Ohio River, and he found joy in water skiing, snow skiing, and tennis. An avid gardener and artist, his creativity and appreciation for beauty were evident in everything he did. In more recent years, he proudly held the unofficial title of "Mayor of Belmont," a role perfectly suited to his outgoing and welcoming spirit.

Above all else, Jimmy was a lover of life and people. He had a genuine interest in everyone he met and everything he encountered, always eager for a new experience and famously declaring that every meal was "the best thing he ever ate."

Of all his many careers and accomplishments, Jimmy was most proud of his role as "Dad" to his four children and as Rosemary's devoted husband. He provided his family with countless beautiful memories and experiences-always game for fun, always ready for the next adventure. His legacy is one of joy, curiosity, generosity, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his children, Dr. Rebecca Tafel (Bill), Rosemary Hocker (Talmage), Jimmy Boone, and Rachel Buchheit (Jim); his grandchildren, Rachel Voight (Jake), Will Tafel (Sarah), Mary Gwen Walker (William), Brittney Thompson, Talmage Hocker (Molly), Lauren Boone, Katilyn Boone, Jimmy Boone, George Buchheit, Jack Buchheit, and Ethan Buchheit; his great- grandchildren, Hayes, Brooks, and Teddy Voight; Boone and Gwen Walker; Rosemary and Elizabeth Thompson; Talmage and Burke Hocker; and his sister, Gail Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Alton Boone; his brother, Kenny Boone; and his wife, Rosemary Mathews Boone.

The family is deeply grateful to the loving and compassionate staff at Belmont and the team at Hosparus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Association for Cancer Research at (https://donate.aacr.org/aacrhome/donate?referrer=aacr-org-donate-button) or

Hosparus Health Louisville at (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/hX7ubQ?utm_source=embed&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=donation&vid=1ojoft)

Funeral Mass will be Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 11am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Cherrywood Road. Visitation 10am – 11am Friday the 6th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church prior to the Mass.