James Edward Boltz, “Jim”, age 79, passed away on October 8, 2023. He was born in Dover on April 2, 1944 and lived on the same street his entire life in Stone Creek, Ohio. He was the eldest son of Edith Marie McCreery Boltz and Floyd Edward Boltz.
In Jim’s younger years, he was an accomplished pianist and organist. He played at many grange programs. He was a 1962 graduate of Stone Creek High School. He married the love of his life and best friend, June Ann Renicker Boltz, in 1970.
Jim started his first business, Jim Boltz General Grading, in 1966. His work included building many ponds and lakes for area farmers. He also helped to build the new interstate I-77 between Stone Creek and New Philadelphia. In 1973 he began excavation for the oil field industry. He soon added his second business location in Ashtabula County. In the late 1970’s he founded Jimmy’s Blacktopping and Jillco Water Service, named after their two children. In 1989, Jim together with his son, Jimmy, built a hydroponic greenhouse. Throughout the next several years, the entire family worked together raising hydroponic tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, basil, and lettuce.
Jim was a former member of the Stone Creek Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a current member of the Walnut Creek Mennonite Church.
Jim enjoyed traveling every summer with his wife, daughter and her family. In addition, he enjoyed the past ten years as he lived with his wife and Jill, Dennis, Dennin, and Jilliann as they cared for him.
Jim is survived by his wife, June, his son, James Edward Boltz II “Jimmy” and his wife Carol Boltz. He is also survived by his daughter, Jill Flora-Marie (Boltz) Borter and her husband Dennis. He has four grandchildren, Dennin James-David Borter, Jilliann Marie Borter, Chase James Boltz, and Weston Edward Boltz. He is also survived by his brother Dan (Carolyn) Boltz.
Jim bravely battled brain cancer and stage 4 thyroid cancer. He was encouraging his wife June as she is battling pancreatic cancer presently. Together, they fought cancer and had a never give up attitude to fight the disease. Jim was always touched by St. Jude’s Children Hospital and their cancer research. He knew the difficult situation of cancer and how it has impacted his family. He felt that the children needed a chance of remission and realized the importance of donations to this cause. Therefore, memorial contributions can be made to support St. Jude’s Children Hospital or his church, Walnut Creek Mennonite Church.
In honoring Jim’s wishes there will be no calling hours or services. The family would like to thank the staff at Union Cleveland Clinic, the Emergency Department, specialist Dr. Kelley, and nurse Katie in the ICU for their compassionate care.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com
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