James Michael Bolan

Depending on when, where, how you knew him would be the determining factor on which name or nickname you called him. Jimbo, Uncle Jim, Jim, Jimmy B, Jimmy, and James were all names he had gone by throughout his life and all of which held special places, pieces, and parts of his heart.

Jim was born in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up and spent majority of his childhood and teen years in Copley, Ohio. Jim also known as Jimmy B during his early years was ALWAYS social, always smiling, always on the go with different sports, always up for a bear hug, and always up for a good time. The only time you might not see that bright smile during those years would be if you found yourself across from him on the baseball, soccer, football fields…basketball court…or on the track. He was a fierce competitor, a natural athlete with good sportsmanship unless you messed with one of his brothers in uniform. His team was family in his eyes. Therefore, he would speak up and out when necessary acting as the big brother of the team. And he carried on that trait throughout his life and always considered his teammates, coworkers, friends as blood. After graduating from Copley High School his love for all things sports related continued as an avid fan of almost anyone on the field but especially for the OSU Bucks, the Pats, and the Red Sox. If Jim could find a place to take in a game and cheer with his peeps you better believe he’d be there, always.

James…as most called him from his young 20s on, unless you were family or part of his professional family…spent most of his adult life living in Charlotte, NC. If he wasn’t rooting on his favorite teams at his local watering hole with buddies, participating in charity golf events, playing video games like a manchild as he would say, bragging about his ninjas to anyone who would listen, or watching movies or even a few episodes of NCIS, SWAT, Bones, CSI, Big Bang, Friends…he was probably working. He was part of the automotive family for a long time…working for Ford 10+ years…then beginning a new chapter with the big trucks, MHC Kenworth, back in 2013. Jimmy served in many roles for these companies however his “titles” did not matter to him. What mattered most to him was how you treated the people around you and how you could be a bright spot in someone else’s day. Some of his most treasured friends, family to him, came into his life during his years of service with Ford and MHC.

Jimbo was a believer and had a personal relationship with God. We have no doubt where he is or who he is with. We wholeheartedly know the reunion between him and mom had to be indescribable and immeasurable rejoicing! We have unexplainable peace and take deep comfort in knowing we will all see him again one day. And what a loud, joyous, hug filled reunion that will be!

He is survived by his only sibling, his little sister, Melissa Wise, who does in fact love him more; his beloved brother in law Shaun Wise; his adored nephews Brayden and Cooper aka “the ninjas”; his dear Aunt Pam Hufford; loved cousin Amy Jo Hufford Crawford; mom #2 as he lovingly referred to her Carol Wise; and his adopted father Bob Bolan. In addition, he is survived by many friends that he considered family.

We will celebrate this big hearted larger than life guy who loved to laugh and spread love wherever he went on Saturday, September 9th at 11 am. Location to be determined. Please dress casual, as he wouldn’t want it any other way, and come ready to share a special story or memory as we gather together to laugh, cry, hug, remember, honor, and celebrate who he was and what he meant to all of us. “One Love”…two words we all heard him say…we all watched him live by…two words meaning…lets get together, feel all right, give thanks and praise to the Lord…One Love, One heart…and Jimbo, Uncle Jim, Jim, Jimmy B, Jimmy, James…we will do just that…get together…in heart, spirit, and prayer…feeling all right remembering all the good…and giving thanks and praise to the Lord.

In lieu of flowers we request he be remembered by sending donations to the Tunnel to Towers foundation (www.t2t.org). The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to honor our military and first responders who make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country. And as you all know, he loved our country and had utmost respect for the brave men and women in our military and for those serving as first responders.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.