James Bolander

James “Jim” Harold Bolander
Born June 29, 1925 in Del Rapids, South Dakota and
adopted by James and Susan “Meme” Bolander. He passed away on January 13, 2018 at home, peacefully, with his children at his side.

Jim was a 22-year veteran serving in the Navy, Army, Army Air Corps and Air Force. During this time he served in both WWII and the Korean War. His last post was stationed at Edward Air Force Base, CA in 1953.

Jim married the love of his life, Alice “Rene” Law, on July 19, 1950. In 1951 they became parents to their first child, a daughter Terry Lynn. In 1962, during a tour of duty in England, they adopted James Charles to make their family complete.

Jim retired from the Air Force in 1964 and settled the family in the small desert town of Lancaster. He always said there were only two stop lights in the whole town back then.
Jim became a Correctional Officer for Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1965 and retired in 1980.

His hobbies included metal detecting with best friend Wayne Scroggins, playing cards and bowling. Jim and Rene also enjoyed traveling in their RV and their summer visits with family in Illinois.

Jim had a quick smile and dry wit. He loved children and animals and they loved him. Each pet he owned was not a pet but a member of his family.

He had a very strong belief in God, Country and Family.
He enjoyed going to the Church of Christ, helping build the Church’s location on the east side of Lancaster. He would read his Bible daily and attended church weekly until his health kept him home. He always loved his church family and missed being in their company. He believed in the Word of God. He knew that someday he would be judged and did his best to follow the Lord’s word.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 year, Rene; his twin sister and brother-in-law, Shirley & Gene Lalley; sister and brother-in-law Polly & Lloyd Orr and many nieces & nephews. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Terry & Ted Miles; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Jennifer Bolander; Grandchildren Taryn (Jeff) Ruiz, Kristin (Travis) Sandoval and Josh Hart; Great grandchildren Harper Josephine Ruiz, Charlie Hart and Jack Sandoval; and many nieces, nephews and loving extended family members.