William James Boger

William James (Jim) Boger passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 22, 2016. Jim was born on July 27, 1947 to William and Lenore Boger, and was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. After graduating from Loretto High School in 1965, Jim joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He received his honorable discharge in 1969. He married Connie Badenski on April 19, 1974. Together, they had three children. Jim was a fixture at both Pullar Stadium and Big Bear Arena, running the clock at hockey games for more than 30 years, often with his youngest son. Some might say he spent more time at the rink during the winters than he did at home, having a soft spot for the Pullar in particular. Jim was a savvy mechanic and loved fixing up vehicles. He proudly showed off a 1965 Chevrolet truck, which he restored himself, at several car shows. Always a handyman, he also enjoyed doing projects both at home and for others. Jim worked for Burton Excavating, driving one of their signature red, white, and blue trucks for more than 20 years. Jim was a quiet person until you got to know him. His laid back personality and good sense of humor made him easy to talk to. He preferred the simple things in life, like taking his wife to dinner at West Pier and reading his newspaper at night. He often spoke of his daughter and sons with pride and his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He delighted in helping his grandson, Tyler, and granddaughter, Kayla, pursue their careers. He helped teach his granddaughter, Ashley, to drive, and enjoyed taking his grandson, Nathan, for drives in the “Yellow Truck”. Jim loved to sit with his granddaughter, Marissa, on his lap and listen to her babble away about anything and everything. Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years; daughter, Chrissy Wall of Sault Ste. Marie; sons Petty Officer First Class Jimmy (Brooke) Boger of Hampton, VA and Pat Boger of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Tyler Wall of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Kayla, Ashley, Nathan, and Marissa Boger of Hampton, VA. Also surviving Jim are his brothers: Tom (Karen), John (Carol), Bruce (Rita), and Alan (Renee) Boger; sister, Marianne (Ken) Kinnear; brother-in-law, John (Mary) Badenski; Aunts Patty, Katie and Delores, mother-in- law Angie Badenski and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Chester Badenski. Visitation will be held at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 31st 2016 from 9:00am to 11:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday May 31, 2016 12 noon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with Father Michael Chenier as Celebrant and Deacon Bill Piche assisting. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, with military honors. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Pullar Community Building Renovation and Expansion Project.¬

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William James Boger

July 27, 1947 - May 22, 2016