James Wesley Boehlke

James Wesley Boehlke, age 69, of Lake, Michigan, died on December 7, 2019, in Trout Lake, Michigan. He was born on February 3, 1950, in Albion, Michigan, to Robert Arthur and Joan Helen McCoskey Boehlke. Jim lived in Albion until he was ten years old when his family moved to Springport, Michigan. He attended Springport High School where he excelled in sports. He studied engineering in college for two years before going to work in 1971 for Commonwealth Associates, an Engineering Consulting and Design company, with Utility related projects across the globe. After Commonwealth Associates closed down their Jackson office in the mid-1980s, he started working for Novak Engineering, continuing the same type of work. Jim was the ultimate field specialist, gathering data and supporting the engineers on the projects. Whatever needed to be done, Jim would figure out how to do it. He preferred working outside rather than working in the office. He never met a computer that he liked and, in fact, was still turning in his timesheets on paper. Jim retired to the Village of Lake two years ago and slowed down, but never stopped working. He loved golfing, hunting, fishing, and bowling, and excelled in them all. He and his family were instrumental in starting T-ball for children in the Albion area, a sport that eventually spread nationwide. Although he himself was not a veteran, many members of his family were veterans and he actively supported various veteran organizations. Prior to moving north, Jim volunteered his time serving at the Bread of Life food pantry in Marshall. Jim also helped provide meals and serve the homeless at the Share Center in Battle Creek. Jim is survived by his wife, Janette of Lake; daughter, Jami Lea Pierce of Lake; son, Benjamin James Pierce of Albion; daughter-in-law, Cassandra Marie Pierce of Concord, MI; grandchildren, Luke Alexander Pierce and Michael Alan Pierce; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger Alan and Sally Boehlke of Lake, sister, Rebecca Martinez and fiancé, Steve of St. Louis, MO; Jim and Roma Lea Wood of Beverly Hills, FL, Jerry and Brenda Wood of Springport and Jackie (Wood) Hector of Springport; and several nieces and nephews. James is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Robyn Boehlke Reichow; and brother, Kent Douglas Boehlke. A celebration in Jim's memory will be held in the spring where he was most content, his home on Lake Taho Trail, where Jim loved welcoming friends, family and neighbors. No date has been set at this time Memorials may be made to Springport VFW, 230 Mechanic St., Springport, MI 49284 or Bread of Life Food Bank, Crossword Church and Ministry, 717 US Highway 27, Marshall, MI 49068.

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James Wesley Boehlke

February 3, 1950 - December 7, 2019