Monday, May 13, 2024
Jim was a wonderful teacher who never stopped learning, a caring and vital community leader, devout church-goer, a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a lifelong friend to me, a fellow "Brooklynite." We kept in touch long after I moved to Ottawa and we reconnected at a coffee shop or at the ballpark nearly every time I made a trip home to the Valley for 35 years. He was a G.V. hockey coach, a cyclist extraordinaire, a leading Lion, a founding figure for tennis in the town (and a worthy opponent) and the head coach for various sports at the schools where he taught. He befriended and mentored countless young people, lifting up everyone around him. Jim was a skilled chronicler of the events and people of Grand Valley through his newspaper columns (later compiled in book form), another key part of the community-building role he played. Our mutual love of journalism animated our conversations and deepened our friendship. He laughed easily and cracked wise often, such a pleasure to spend time with. For all of his achievements and legacies, he was always so humble and self-deprecating. A lovely, lovely man in all respects. He did have one weakness: my Mom's butter tarts.
Condolences to Marion, Bob, Jennifer and the rest of Jim's family. I will miss him but always remember him. Looking forward to joining Friday's remembrance via Zoom.
So grateful for Jim's life,
Randy Boswell
28 Main street north
