James “Jim” Francis Bolden, 70, of Chardon, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Dec. 7, 2024. He was surrounded by friends and family.
Jim was born on March 6, 1954, to Ronald and Gloria Bolden, in Cleveland, and is the oldest of four siblings, Rhonda (Joe) Lucas, Ronald (Michelle) and Michael (Nancy).
The Bolden family soon moved to Willowick, where Jim attended Royalview Elementary School, Willowick Junior High School and Eastlake North High School. During his school years, Jim made lifelong friends and was a star pitcher and offensive lineman on the North Rangers baseball and football teams. Most importantly, Jim started dating his lifelong sweetheart, Jane (nee Losh) Bolden, during his senior year at North.
Jim graduated from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) in 1976 where he became a born again Christian and was involved in several college ministries. During college, Jim and Jane married in September 1975 and remained married until Jim’s passing. He credited his strong marriage and values to his belief in Jesus Christ.
Jim and Jane went on to have four children: Brian, Emily (Bryan) Mack, Katie (Joe) Boldensmith and Laura (Joshua) Ford. Jim was a wonderful, kind father who worked diligently to provide an example of Christ’s love to his family.
Jim worked in several fields throughout his career. Notably, Jim spent his final 20 working years handling sales and management at Mikron Fasteners, in Eastlake, with his father (Ronald Sr.) and brothers (Ronald and Michael). He was well-liked and appreciated by customers and clients.
In retirement, Jim loved spending time with grandchildren, traveling with Jane, meeting with the men’s group at his church, reconnecting with old friends and talking about his family and his faith to everyone he knew.
It is hard to express how much Jim will be missed by those who knew him.
Jim was predeceased by Ronald and Gloria Bolden.
He is survived by his wife; siblings; children; 10 grandchildren, Gwen (Alec) Bashein, Ethan (Kaitlyn) Mack, Carter Mack, Andrew Mack, Isaac Mack, Ruby Boldensmith, Gloria Boldensmith, Cedar Boldensmith, Eva Tedrick and Nicholas Bolden; and two great-grandchildren, Baby Mack and Baby Bashein.
A Memorial Service will be held at Hambden Congregational Church, 13840 GAR Highway, Hambden Township, on Dec. 21, 2024. Service begins at 11 a.m. Guests can arrive at 10:30 a.m. to greet the family.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse in Jim’s honor.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
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