James Oliver Bozdech

James Oliver Bozdech "Jim Boz" passed away on June 28, 2014 after a brief illness. Jim was born on July 27, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Raymond and Florence "Tootsie" (Doswald) Bozdech. He is preceded in death by his brother, Tom. Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Vickie "Victoria" Hellmich-Bozdech, as well as by his two children Jennifer (Barry) Anders and Kirsten (Laine) Rupper, their mother Sharon Pfeiffer, and his six grandchildren, Ryan, Christopher, Olivia, Alec, McKinnon and Claire. He is also survived by his brother's children, Paul (Yvette) Bozdech and Ann (Rob) Bingham, and their children, Matthew, Erin, Alexis and Ryan. Survivors also include his wife's family, her parents Richard and Phyllis, her siblings Rick (Chris), Tom (Lou Ann) David (Linda), Philip, Steven, Sue (Dan), Trevor (Jamie), Jim (Jennifer), Michael and Kyle (Jennifer); nieces and nephews, Allyse, Emily, Kate, Hannah, Lara (Josh), Caitlin (Brendon), Mary, Erica, Will, Dane, Sabina, Anya, Jacob, Madeline, Emma, Luke, Morgan, Evan, Adam, Stella, Thomas, Gretchen, and great-niece Natalie.

Jim was a proud graduate of Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a graduate of The University of Dayton (B.A., M.A. in Language and Literature) and earned a Doctorate of Arts from St. Louis University in Modern Linguistics.

Jim worked in newspaper, local radio and television outlets (WVUD-FM, WAVI-AM, WKRC-AM, WCSU-FM, WPTD-TV). He enjoyed being an on air personality, program manager/director, promotions director and spent time in news and public affairs. He was a communication consultant and a trainer. He was a college professor in Missouri, Illinois and Ohio (at the University of Dayton, Central State University, Wilberforce University, Wright State University and Wilmington College).

Jim was the ultimate freelance writer who prided himself in always saying "yes" when the phone rang. He volunteered his time and talent most of his adult life. Jim was a proud member of the Freemasons Dayton Lodge 147, where he was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He worked on the stage crew and various committees; a member recently wrote, "Jim was not the type to want the spotlight, but always willing to stand behind it, seeing the best in us all."

Jim fell in love with Dayton the first time he saw a trolley bus and never turned back. He was an important part of the connective fabric of Dayton's culture. He was dedicated to his Five Oaks friends and community and to his students at CSU. He loved walking, running and playing tennis at DeWeese Parkway and going to festivals at RiverScape. He loved following the music of his friend Jayne, playing poker with Pat, Dave, Dave and Bob, going to dinner with Victoria and friends on Friday nights, and zipping around in his red Volvo. He thrived on meeting, planning and creating at local café's. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch, talking and laughing, reading and listening to music. He loved to tell stories, to make others laugh and to find the six degrees of separation in every conversation. He enjoyed daily talks with his daughters and silliness with his grandchildren, and kept photos, personal notes and keepsakes near as a tribute to those he cherished.

Jim was a kind, gentle man who believed in and inspired the best in others. He loved the process, the journey, the connections. He believed that life is a journey, not a destination. He believed in the communication between hearts…as such, his love for others and his joy for life will live on in his family and friends.

Jim's family extends a special thanks to the nursing staff at SICU Grandview Hospital whose dedication and compassion was comforting at a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central State University Foundation, "Professor Boz" scholarship fund, P.O. Box 1004, 1400 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce Ohio 45384.

A celebration of Jim's life will take place on August 2, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Shiloh Church, 5300 Philadelphia Drive, Dayton.