Obituary
James Michael Boland
James M. (Jim) Boland, 69, passed away on June 14, 2024, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Born in Peoria Illinois, he was the son of John and Mary Boland. He graduated from Aquinas High School and the University of Wisconsin La Crosse earning a degree in biology. His areas of expertise focused on disease carrying insects and invasive species. Upon graduating he worked for the La Crosse County vector control program and contributed to the investigation of the encephalitis carrying mosquito. He also worked for the County’s animal control program and later for the Department of Agriculture on halting the spread of the gypsy moth, through the Wisconsin DNR. An accomplished scuba diver, he assisted in a government study of the native freshwater mussels of the Mississippi River and on the effects of water released from nuclear power plants on mussel colonies. For some years, Jim also served as a volunteer diver for the La Crosse Rescue and Recovery team. Earlier this year, he retired as a Walmart associate.
Jim had a passion for nature and the outdoors and was most happy hiking with Jan in the woods of the Driftless Region. He was a true animal lover– refusing to even swat a mosquito. An avid reader of WWII history and the sciences from astronomy to zoology, he had a keen curiosity about the world. Above all he was a good, kind, and generous man who will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his good friend Jan Ruesch, brothers John and Dennis (Ann), sister Patty, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Denny Solfest, and sister-in-law Susannah Lloyd.
Private family services will be held, with a memorial gathering planned for family and friends later this summer. Donations in his name may be made to the Coulee Region Humane Association or a charity of the giver’s choice. The Coulee Region Cremation Society is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to https://couleecremation.com.
Patty,
May hope and peace be with you today and always. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you find strength and comfort during this time of loss.
John and Karen Blackstock
I am so sad to hear of Jin’s passing. He was always among the first to console others and now he is the first of the children of John and Mary to die. I know he will be the family angel to look after those of us remaining. May God rest his soul.
Bill Boland, Centerville, Oh.
Jim was a huge influence in my life. Being an only child, he became a brother I never had. He was my cousin, my mother’s sister’s youngest son, and because we went to visit La Crosse often, he was a playmate. He used to call me “Muscles Magurt”…eluding to my rough and playful nature…brought on by wrestling with my Dad, a Montana Cowboy. He and my husband could talk si-fi for hours…! We have a huge hole in our hearts for our dear cousin Jim Boland! God take him into your arms! Mary
I am sooo sorry to hear about your brother’s passing….and the surprise it was apparently!! He sure looked like your dad – and Irish at that!
I too lost my brother Jim last summer. A good name and a good soul, as well.
Blessings on the family. May “chewing” on the good memories and prayers and time sustain you.
Love
Diane Vaaler Withers
Thank you, Diane. My sympathies on the loss of your brother as well.
I’m saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I want to extend my condolences to the Boland family. I’m glad I got a chance to meet him and many in the Boland family during his father’s 100 year birthday celebration in August 2021.
So sorry for this deep loss. He sounds like such a treasured person in the Boland Family.
Having lost a younger brother, I know the passing of a sibling is a special type of aching.
Prayers & best wishes,
Joan Knothe Stein