James Richard Boling

James Richard Boling, known affectionately to many as Jim, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 81. Cremation rites have been accorded and memorial services will be held at a later date to be announced.

Jim was born on May 3, 1944, to parents Lawrence and Madolynne (Collwell) Boling. He graduated from Kewanee High School and went on to serve in the US Navy. Jim worked for Oscar Meyer for 30 years as a meat cutter.

On April 3, 1971, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Pemble, in Kewanee, Illinois. Together, they built a beautiful family and life filled with laughter and love.

Jim was a humorous man with a knack for storytelling. He cherished spending time with his family and especially enjoyed going out to dinner with them. Jim was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. He held a special place in his heart for his dogs and his fishing buddies, with whom he gathered with on annual fishing trips to Rathbun Lake.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Cheryl Boling; his children, Tara (Rob) Laposta, Brooke (Ken) Mitchell, and Ryan (Jenny) Boling; his grandchildren, Katie Mitchell, Lainey Mitchell, Logan Boling, Dylan Boling, Cody Boling, Grace Laposta, Ella Laposta, and Sydney Laposta, and one sister, Mary Jo Evans.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents and three siblings, John Boling, Judy Aercke, and Dorothy Martin.

Jim’s legacy of humor and love will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.