James Thomas Bosack

James Thomas Bosack

January 17, 1941 – May 19, 2025

James Thomas Bosack, 84, of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, passed away peacefully in his home on May 19, 2025, surrounded by love. Born on January 17, 1941, in Marlin, Pennsylvania, Jim lived a full life marked by devotion to his family, tireless work, and a deep connection to the land and people around him.He was one of nine siblings—six brothers and two sisters—and grew up surrounded by a large, loving family. His mother lovingly made the family’s famous apple pie from hand-picked apples, a cherished tradition that filled his childhood with warmth and comfort.

A proud veteran, Jim served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed at West Point, where he contributed his skills to one of the most storied military institutions in the country. After his military service, he continued his dedication to his trade by serving as a member of Operating Engineers Local 138.He built a successful career as a master plumber and backhoe expert. He was the founder and owner of Twin County Excavating Corp., where he earned a reputation as a tough but fair boss who demanded excellence and gave it in return. Jim had a special bond with his backhoe and his trucks—tools of a trade he truly loved.

Jim was deeply devoted to his wife, Jane Ursula Bosack (née Smigelski), whom he affectionately referred to as “the boss” and often said he “hit the jackpot” when he married her. He cherished his role as stepfather to Kim Christina Gilday (partner Henry Wigger) and Kerri Lynn Gilday (spouse Hilmar Fenger), and adored his grandchildren—Alyssa Rain, Johnavon James, and Julia Karlin Gilday-Fenger—who lovingly knew him as “Pop Pop.” He was also the proud great-granddog-grandpa to Bellevue.In later years, Jim split his time between his homes in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, and The Villages, FL. He found endless joy in caring for his properties, propagating flowers and trees, and digging in the dirt—his truest happy place. He loved sharing stories, especially about growing up with his brothers and sisters, neighborhood baseball games, and the lifelong friends he remembered best by their nicknames.

Once quiet and reserved, Jim grew into a man who told stories with heart, humor, and incredible detail.Jim’s life was one of grit, loyalty, humor, and love. His legacy lives on in the family he worked so hard to provide for, the land he shaped with his own hands, and the stories he passed down with affection and pride.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Moloney’s Lake Funeral Home, 132 Ronkonkoma Ave, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY. A final viewing will take place on Friday, May 23, at 8:30 AM at Moloney’s, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 45 Church St, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. Burial with military honors will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in James Bosack’s name to causes he cared deeply about:

https://give.epilepsy.com/page/33651/donate1

https://k94life.org/donate/