September 1, 1935 – June 15, 2025
James Walter Boehm, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, pastor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on September 1, 1935, in Owosso, Michigan, Jim was the son of Hazel Cardwell Boehm and William Boehm. His life was a testament to faith, service, curiosity, and unwavering love for both people and place. Jim was a retired elder of the Michigan Conference who served at Gobles, Kendall, Newaygo, Plainwell: First, Kalamazoo as a District Superintendent, and Okemos Community Church before retiring in 1998.
On August 7, 1954, Jim married his high school sweetheart and lifelong partner, Catheryn Judd. Together, they shared over six decades of marriage-raising a family, embracing community, and building a life filled with purpose and love.
Catheryn preceded him in death, as did his parents; his sister, Margaret Lingo and husband Gary; and in-laws Herbert and Joan Judd, and John and Carolyn Lewis.
Jim is survived by his devoted children: son, Robert W. Boehm (Michell); and daughter, Kristee Boehm. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Hadley Boehm, Dulcee Boehm (Jehra Smith), Alejandro Malavet, and Leonardo Malavet. He is also survived by his brother, Robert A. Boehm (Nancy), along with many extended family members, dear friends, and the countless people he ministered to throughout his life.
Jim’s love of nature was lifelong; whether fishing for perch and walleye on Lower Herring Lake–first as a boy with his Grandpa Cardwell, and then well into his late 80s with family and friends–to deer hunting in Kalkaska or casting lines into the Muskegon River during his time in Newaygo, he found peace and renewal in Michigan’s wild places.
His retirement years in Beulah were marked by joyful drives around Crystal Lake, stops for ice cream in Frankfort, time at the pier, and meals at the Cherry Hut. He delighted in the simple pleasures, particularly anything chocolate, with Mackinaw Island fudge, Texas sheet cake, and ice cream topping his list.
A natural orator with a mind for music and verse, Jim could recite poetry and song lyrics from memory with ease, something he began as a boy and never stopped doing. He also wrote poetry in his youth and remained a passionate conversationalist throughout life, especially on theology, which he explored deeply with friends and colleagues.
A proud graduate of Owosso High School (Class of 1953), Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He attended seminary at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (Methesco) before receiving his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
Jim’s calling to ministry led him to serve as a teacher at New Lothrop Public Schools and Corunna High School, and later, as a United Methodist pastor across several Michigan churches-including Gobles-Kendall, Newaygo, Plainwell, and Okemos. He was appointed District Superintendent of the Kalamazoo District and served as Dean of the Cabinet and a representative to the General Conference. Even after retirement, Jim continued to share his gifts, stepping in to fill short-term pastoral vacancies at Frankfort-Elberta UMC, Empire UMC, and Thompsonville Congregational Church.
A faithful attendee of both Frankfort United Methodist Church and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah, Jim’s spirit and wisdom will be deeply missed by the congregations he served and the communities he so loved.
A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Frankfort United Methodist Church, with Rev. Barbara Fay and Rev. Suzanne Goodwin officiating. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. Jim will be laid to rest privately at Benzonia Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Frankfort United Methodist Church or St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah. Arrangements are in the care of Jowett Funeral Home. Condolences can be shared online at Jowett Funeral Home.
*Boehm, James W. – DECEASED [(RE) D 1966; D 1973; FE 1976; RE 1998] Gobles, Kendall 4/1/1967-9/1/1969; Withdrawn 1970; Readmitted 1973; Transferred from Detroit Conf 1975; Newaygo 1975; Plainwell: First 1984; Kalamazoo District Superintendent 1989; Okemos Community Church 1996; Retired 9/1/1998.
Last Updated on August 18, 2025