JAMES BOSTWICK

1937 - 2024

BOSTWICK--James F. C. James F. C. Bostwick passed away peacefully at home on April 29th. Born on February 13, 1937 to George H Bostwick and Laura Curtis Bostwick, Jimmy grew up in Aiken, SC and Old Westbury, NY. He attended the Aiken Prep School, Greenvale School, and The Dublin School. Jimmy always had fond memories of his time at Aiken Prep and it was there he first developed his strong athletic abilities. He was both the youngest boarding student and the youngest student to win the math prize at Aiken Prep. In his twenties and thirties Jimmy was widely considered one of the best and most versatile amateur athletes of his time. In court tennis, Jimmy was World Champion from 1972 - 1976 and also won several U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur titles in singles and doubles. In golf, he won the French Amateur in 1964 and competed in several U.S. Amateurs. Jimmy qualified for and competed in the U.S. Open at Oak Hill Country Club in 1968. He had a strong record in other prestigious regional and national golf tournaments. Jimmy also won a number of team events in court tennis and golf with his brother GH "Pete" Bostwick Jr. Together they won the Anderson Memorial twice and the Ike team championship playing out of Meadow Brook. They also won multiple U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur doubles titles in court tennis. Jimmy played high level ice hockey for the St. Nicks Hockey Club and enjoyed racquets, squash, and lawn tennis. He is in the International Court Tennis Hall of Fame. Jimmy was known for his excellent etiquette and sportsmanship. Jimmy overcame an alcohol problem in his early life and died having not had a drink in over 50 years. In the second half of his life Jimmy enjoyed coaching kids sports and doing volunteer work. He loved coaching ice hockey for Beaver Dam and for the Greenvale School. He was also a volunteer athletics coach at the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club. Jimmy had a knack for working with kids especially for helping them develop specific skills in one on one settings. He was loved for his great sense of humor and fun loving nature with the those he coached. Jimmy was the volunteer caretaker of the Jane B. Francke Bird Sanctuary in Brookville. He enjoyed outdoor work immensely. His father, GH Bostwick Sr., was a legendary horseman and polo player. His mother Laura Curtis was a strong women's golfer and relative of the founders of the Curtis Cup. One of seven siblings Jimmy was predeceased by GH "Pete" Jr., Laura, and Dolly and is survived by Charlie, Ricky, and Marie (Sissy). He enjoyed time with his family as a husband to Diana for over 60 years and father to Jimmy Jr., Lisa (Susan), and Tommy (Emily) and a grandfather to Daphne, Frazier, Lila, Olivia, Lilly, Stokes, Jack and Davis. He truly loved the simple things in life: a good cup of coffee, a good delicatessen, a swim in Long Island Sound or in the cold waters of Northeast Harbor, Maine. He could often be found on a rocking porch or driving range telling stories and joking around. He had a devilish grin and a twinkle in his eye; he was beloved by many. He was considered one of the great characters of his generation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club or Glen Cove Hospital. A Celebration of life will be held on June 26th. All are welcome; Please contact any family member for details.