James “Jim” Bosman was born on the 4th of July, 1919 in Lynden. He died June 13, 2018 in Bellingham.
Jim was the ninth of 14 children born to John and Alice (Hendricks) Bosman. His father was a hardworking Dutch immigrant who worked his way across the country laying railroad tracks, clearing forests and working on a sugar plantation. Jim grew up on the family farm on the Van Dyk Road and the lessons of hard physical work never left him. Shortly before he died, he was still mowing lawn and doing yard work despite his nearly 99 years.
When World War II started, he worked at Boeing helping build B-17 bombers. He joined the U.S. Army and was sent to the Pacific Theater. Trained as a medic, he spent most of his time driving trucks preparing for the invasion of Japan. With his Hollywood good looks, he was able to win over the lovely young Bertha “Babe” Scholten of Lynden, whom he had met at church. She earned the name “Babe” as the youngest of the 10 William and Johanna Scholten children. They married on Nov. 5, 1947 and were inseparable for over 70 years. Their devotion and faithfulness to each other carried into their passing. Still living with full independence at home, on Wednesday, June 6, they bumped into each other in the kitchen. Both fell, both broke their hips and both required surgery. Jim’s “Babe” died on Sunday, June 10, and Jim followed her into eternity and the arms of the Lord Jesus they loved on June 13 while in the care of the wonderful Whatcom Hospice House staff.
After the war, Jim’s Army truck driving experience led into a lifelong career driving milk trucks. It was an occupation shared by several brothers. Starting with milk can trucks for Elenbaas Dairy, he drove for Milky Way for 38 years, retiring in 1984. He started a small dairy farm on Kamm Road, he said with his characteristic wink, to keep his children out of trouble. Five children were born to Jim and Babe Bosman: Jim (Linda) Bosman, Jane (John) Schouten, Lynne (Gerald) Baron, Judy, deceased as an infant, and Mark (Jodei) Bosman. They greatly enjoyed their 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Grandpa would help out with yard projects with eagerness.
A quiet man with an exceptionally quick wit and ready smile, Jim typified the strong, silent type of this greatest generation. He enjoyed outdoor activities, hunting, reading and watching the Seattle Mariners. He served as a volunteer for Lynden Christian Schools and was an avid gardener nearly to the last. Jim and Babe were lifelong members of First Christian Reformed Church in Lynden where his grandfather, Harm Hendricks, was a charter member who helped organize the church in 1900.
A private burial service for both Jim and Bertha “Babe” Bosman, followed by a memorial service in First Christian Reformed Church, was held on Tuesday, June 19.
Gifts made in honor of their life of faithfulness and devotion may be made to First Christian Reformed Church, the Lighthouse Mission or Whatcom Hospice. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
