James “Jim” LeRoy Bohlender
James “Jim” LeRoy Bohlender died on Oct. 4, 2022 at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colorado. He was 91 years old.
Jim was born on July 7, 1931 to Gottlieb and Winnie Bohlender in the house Gottlieb was born in near LaSalle, Colorado. He graduated from Greeley High School in 1949. His most important decision was to trust in Jesus as his Savior in 1965.
Having grown up ranching and farming with his father, Jim gradually started his own operation. Next, he formed a partnership with his two brothers, Jack and Jay, and together they started a dairy farm. Shortly thereafter, Jim met and married Mary Jane Finley in 1959. They made their home on the dairy farm near LaSalle where they welcomed daughter, Barbara, in 1962. Their son, David, joined their family in 1965. In 1970 Jim and Mary Jane moved to Lamar, Nebraska where they farmed until Jim retired in 2009 and then settled in Holyoke, Colorado. In 2020 they chose to relocate with their daughter and son-in-law, Dave Bishop, in Madison, South Dakota.
Jim was a dedicated husband and father and enjoyed active service in church in music ministry, Sunday School, the AWANA kids program and wherever else he was needed. As an avid pilot for over 50 years, Jim flew both fixed wing and helicopter aircraft. Jim and Mary Jane also ventured through every state except Maine, often to visit their kids and six grandkids and nine great-grandchildren. His greatest joy was seeing others come to faith and grow in Jesus Christ.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary Jane; children Barbara (Dave) Bishop and David (Sherry) Bohlender; grandchildren Nathan (Sara) Bishop, Zak (Kelly) Bishop, Dakota (Jenna) Bishop, Lindsey (Kofi) Asamoa-Boadu, Andrew Bohlender and Eva Bohlender; and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jack and Jay, and sister Lila Jean Stewart.
A memorial service for Jim was scheduled for Oct. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Holyoke, Colorado. Condolences can be sent to 45081 Jackson Rd, Madison, SD 57042. Memorial gifts may be given in Jim’s honor to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or online at https://samaritanspurse.org/