James Alvin Bostwick

January 13, 1934 - March 2, 2026

Jim Bostwick, 92, was born to Elizabeth Bandy in Wilbur, Washington, and grew up with his mother and grandparents, George and Martha Bandy. His grandfather, the local pharmacist, greatly influenced the kind, cheerful, and hardworking man he became. The family lived above the pharmacy, now a flower shop. As a child, Jim loved playing sports, hanging out with friends, and spending time with the big Bandy family.

After graduating, Jim worked in Lincoln, WA for the lumber mill until 1956, when he served two years in the US Army as an aviation mechanic. After his service, he returned to Wilbur and became a father to his daughter, Patti, and went back to the lumber mill. He married Sharon Bagley in 1963. They had two children, Terri and Bobby. When the mill closed in the early 1980s, Jim began working with his cousin, Bob Bandy, at Bandy Ranches. (Jim and Bob's grandfathers were brothers.) Jim enjoyed farming and preparing for the wheat harvest and maintaining equipment. He drove combine for years, then drove wheat trucks into his 70s. Jim was so thankful for the love and support of the Bandy Family, for being so generous to him and his family over the years.

For 43 years, Jim loved volunteering with the Wilbur Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT. He served for seven years as an assistant fire chief and was named Fireman of the Year in 1976 and 2001. Long before calling 911, a “fire phone” was installed in three Wilbur homes, including his. This phone had a switch to sound the town's fire siren, alerting the department when help was needed. His kids thought this was awesome! When the siren went off, firefighters rushed to the station to respond. Jim always looked forward to answering calls, day or night.

He also helped develop Emerson Park into the sports complex it is today. Jim was a member of the Wilbur Lions Club, VFW, and Community Presbyterian Church, where he served many years as a Deacon. In retirement, he tried playing golf at Big Bend Golf Club and spent many years caring for Sharon and his large yard. Even at 91, his yard looked great. The family thanks everyone who stopped and checked on him when they saw him lying on the ground. He was fine; it just hurt too much to bend over to pull weeds, so he preferred lying down. After Sharon passed in 2024, Jim made up for lost time by traveling to Washington, D.C., Bozeman, and Arizona. He attended college graduations in Bozeman, Pullman, and Moscow, where he shut the bars down with the grandkids, and frequently visited Crescent Bar and Keller to spend time with family.

Jim was a loving, kind, and patient father who always encouraged his children to follow their dreams. He supported them every step of the way, never missing an event and always ready to drive, cook, or help however he could. He looked forward to the family’s annual vacation at Keller Ferry camping with friends and family and cooking a big breakfast for all. As his children grew and moved away, Jim had a special way of making every phone call feel like you were the most important person in the world—until his grandkids came along. Grandpa Jim adored his grandchildren and was well known, first by his grandsons and then by all their friends. He attended every preschool concert and T-Ball game and followed them all the way to state football, basketball, and golf championship games. Jim loved getting to know their friends, coaches, and teachers, making connections with everyone in their lives. On his 92nd birthday, Grandpa Jim shared a toast with his grandsons, knowing it would be the last birthday they would spend together. When Dailey, Cooper, and Georgia joined the family, Great-Grandpa Jim couldn’t wait to hold them as babies and loved watching them play.

Jim is survived by his daughter Patty and husband Guy Albert and their children, Jace and Hannah; his son Bob Bostwick and wife Sharma, with their sons Blake and Cole; and his daughter Terri King and husband Todd, with their children: Ryan King and wife Kelsey and granddaughters Dailey and Georgia, Jared King and wife Charlie and grandson Cooper, Trevor King and wife McKenna, and Marcus King and wife Ellie. He is also survived by the Bandy family: his cousin Jeanette Bandy, and the families of Bobby and Julie Bandy, Angie and Pat Donahue, and Mindy and Neil Mueller. Other surviving relatives include his sister-in-law, Doris Shore; brothers-in-law, Bill Bagley and Glen Bagley and wife Carol; and many nieces and nephews, including his dear niece and friend, Rhonda Widmer.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Bostwick; mother, Amey Elizabeth Storer; his grandparents, George and Martha Bandy; and his cousins Robert W. and Billie Joe Bandy.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew his kind heart, radiant smile, and boundless enthusiasm. He was a wonderful man who adored his family, showing up for every event—never empty-handed, always with a grin and a word of encouragement. Jim’s love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was evident in his cheering from the stands, his support for their dreams, and his ability to make every gathering brighter. His presence was a gift, his laughter a comfort, and his unwavering support was the foundation of his family’s joy.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 20,2026 at 1:00 PM at the Wilbur Cemetery, Wilbur, WA followed by a Memorial service at 2:00 PM at the Wilbur Community Church. A celebration of life will follow the memorial at the Wilbur Community Center, open to all.

Memorials can be made in Jim’s name to the Wilbur Fire Department, PO Box 218, Wilbur, WA 99185, or the Wilbur Senior Center Meal Fund, PO Box 516, Wilbur, WA 99185. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Bostwick family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.