James T. Boosales

James T. Boosales

James T. Boosales

April 18, 1943~August 25, 2021

On Wednesday, August 25th, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, James T. Boosales passed away peacefully at the age of 78.

Jim was born on April 18th, 1943, to Sam and Connie Boosales.  He grew up in Chicago and attended Niles High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics.  This success led him to Columbia University where he had an opportunity to continue playing football.

Although Jim’s football career did not survive past his freshman year, the friendships he made with the fraternity brothers of Beta Theta Pi continued throughout his life.  This is also when he started dating Bonny, who became the love of his life.  They wed in June of 1965 and remained a loving couple for 56 years until Jim’s passing. Jim graduated from Columbia in 1965 and went on to get an MBA at the University of Chicago in 1967.  Soon after this, Jim and Bonny expanded their family; with Catherine born in 1968 and David born in 1970.

Jim enjoyed a long and rewarding career as an executive, mostly in the toy industry.  Some notable stops along the way were Parker Brothers, Lionel Trains, and Fisher-Price.  He also had a brief foray into the golf industry with Foot-Joy, serving as the company president in the early 1980’s. Jim’s work required extensive international travel.  Bonny often accompanied him and together they were able to see the world from Africa to Asia.

Jim’s final career stop was in the Tampa area, where he served as CFO of SRI/Surgical Express in the 1990’s until he took an early retirement in 2002. During retirement, Jim was a very active member of Innisbrook. He enjoyed being on the golf course as well as spending time in the clubhouse after a round.

Jim was a loyal and loving family man and a very successful businessman. Mostly impressively, Jim never forgot his humble beginnings and was always quick with a smile and friendly to everyone he met.  Jim was the consummate host and a true gentleman. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

 

 

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Memories of James T. Boosales

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Condolence

lynn hipp

August 30, 2021, 10:53 pm

A gentle, kind man, a true gentleman. You will be missed.

John"Greg" Bylski

September 5, 2021, 6:30 pm

My Sincere Condolences and Deepest Sympathy to the Family and Friends of Jim Boosales. I was a classmate and neighbor of Jim’s in Skokie , when Jim went to Niles High. He was a great Football player in High school , and a very popular guy with everyone , too ! I use to play catch with
Jim in the St. We lived on , ha ! He was a better athlete, than I, but he never made fun of my lessor athletic abilities, ha ! His Parents and sister were great neighbors, too. It was my pleasure and honor to have known him for those few years In grade and high school. May His Kindness and Wisdom , not be forgotten! .. May Jim’s .. wonderful ..”Spirit” .. Be with us , Always….” RIP “.. Amen.

Tom Yacko

September 5, 2021, 11:28 pm

Jim was a close friend, book club member, Wi-Bowler, and super guy. He always had a smile on his face for friends and foes. He was the consummate host at party or at a simple event with two couples. I miss him terribly and wish him peace.

Dave Garringer

September 7, 2021, 2:15 pm

I met Jim through golf about 15 years ago and became good friends. We enjoyed Wii bowling and book club together as well as a few golf trips. We also had the same dermatologist! I know Jim to be a soft spoken genuinely good friend and will miss him from my heart

Jim Copeland

September 8, 2021, 2:33 am

I knew Jim during Junior High and High School and he was always
a kind, and positive person, friendly to all! He was a superior athlete and
an outstanding student as well.

Barbara Mario Jozwiak

September 17, 2021, 5:22 pm

My deepest sympathy to the Boosales family. My parents were best friends with Jim’s parents. Family friends for many many years!
Sincerely,
Barbara Mario Jozwiak

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