James (Jim) Lee Boger's Obituary
James (Jim) Lee Boger
Born in Gold Hill, NC on August 9, 1944 to the late Ruben and Ruby Boger, Jim was the 2nd of 4 children. He was preceded in death by a sister Helen Nash and her husband William- both deceased, and his brother Jerry Boger and wife Marsha -both deceased. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Barringer Boger, a sister, Sherry Fowler (Ronnie) as well as a number of nieces and nephews including great and great greats. There were no children born into this marriage but he always considered their dogs, Mandy and Syler as special members of their family. Many children and adults alike affectionately addressed him as “Mr. Jim” or “Uncle Jim”.
Jim and Judy were a devoted couple and were often referred to as “two peas in a pod”, as where there was one, there was usually the other. Whatever needed to be done, they were in it together. God was the center of their marriage so they sought to honor Him by how they lived out their marriage. As a couple, they enjoyed doing special things for each other. One of the kindnesses Jim did for Judy was to polish her toenails, an act which sometimes brought teasing and laughter from those who knew this.
Family was very important to Jim as for many years he and his wife hosted numerous family gatherings and church-friend cookouts. He loved to grill and would spend hours preparing entrees for the family events. This love for grilling and cooking followed him into his later years when he would assist in benefit functions to help with needy causes.
Sensing a need to help a teenager complete high school near their home after his parents’ jobs required a move to a different state, Jim and his wife took the young man into their home and heart where he became family. This closeness led to their “adopting” each other and Caleb Barnes (wife Rachel and their 2 children, Charis and Ellie) became their “grandson” and family.
For 42 years Jim worked for Martin Marietta Materials serving in administration, production, and finally sales, which over the years afforded him to become close to both co-workers and clients alike. Oftentimes he planned events for the company, many of which included families of employees.
Over the years Jim was faithful in attendance and service in the churches where he belonged, first at First Baptist Church, Concord, NC and then at Prospect Baptist Church, Albemarle, NC. He served faithfully on various committees, in the toddlers’ nursery, VBS, Children’s Sunday School, in the youth choir as a chaperone, on counting teams, on the Wednesday night supper food preparation team, and in positions such as usher, greeter, and deacon. Through the churches, he participated in many local ministries such as Operation-in-as-Much, Golden Rule Ministry, Disaster Relief, Community Table as well as a foreign mission trip where he assisted in constructing a church in South Africa.
Jim was an avid golfer for many years where he became known for his long drives and natural ability for the sport. After retirement he became a ranger for the Old North State Golf Course where he met many golfers and enjoyed the sport there.
Because Jim enjoyed working with his hands, he oftentimes created many items out of wood – furniture, birdhouses, decorative pieces, checkerboards, functional pieces, and small reproductions of buildings. Using grapevines he harvested from his property, Jim made Christmas trees, angels, and wreaths as decorative pieces. His woodworking abilities enabled him to assist in the construction of his log home as well as other building structures.
In addition to his woodworking abilities, Jim could perform electrical and plumbing projects at his home. He had a creative mind and a knack for making repairs and making equipment workable.
In his post retirement years Jim developed a great desire to travel, especially to national parks. Over the years he and his wife traveled to almost all the major national parks in the contiguous United States as well as some in Hawaii, Alaska, and South Africa. In their husband/wife travel team, she would organize and plan the trips while his role was to drive and navigate the logistics. He enjoyed seeing God’s creation and His creatures all the while acknowledging the Creator. This love for God’s creation extended to the surroundings of his home in the midst of the woods and natural areas. Jim also had a love for the beach and would often invite family and friends to vacation with him and his wife at their shared partnership beach house.
Later in his life Jim derived great pleasure planting and working in his garden. Through his efforts and ingenuity, he always grew an abundant harvest. Even though he enjoyed canning, preserving, and eating the garden produce, he always made sure to share his God-given blessings with others, especially family, friends, and fellow church members.
Other hobbies that Jim enjoyed were Sudoku puzzles, solitaire, watching YouTube videos as well as TV programs about nature, animals, veterinarians, and Alaskan Wilderness Life.
Jim loved life and oftentimes would make comments with a dry wit to make others laugh. He was very personable and enjoyed being around people. His love of God was quite open and visible to those who knew him and loved him. He passed from this life to his eternal home on February 28, 2026. For those who knew him, he will truly be missed.
Honoring Jim’s chosen plans; there will be no formal services or receiving. Friends and family are welcome to visit at their home.
Memorials may be sent to Prospect Baptist Church, 502 Prospect Church Road, Albemarle, NC, 28001.
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