James Owen Bollenbacher

James Owen Bollenbacher, 81, of Bay Port, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Thursday, December 10, 2020.

James was born in Plymouth, Indiana to Owen and Faye (McVey) Bollenbacher on October 28, 1939. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1957. James married Marilyn Strombeck on January 27, 1962.

James was active throughout his life. His love of sports began in high school and became part of his Legacy.  He was a huge Notre Dame fan. He was an active supporter for all his children and grandchildren's activities. You could always count on him being in the audience or stands. He was a member of the MHSAA and officiated sports for over 30 years. Jim was a color commentator for WLEW and reported on various sporting and festival events through the Thumb.  He enjoyed promoting the Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival and you could hear his voice on the PA throughout the entire event. Jim and his wife Marilyn were spending their golden years wintering with a whole new group of friends at Manatee Campground in Florida.  He continued to stay active by biking, kayaking, and riding his Gold Wing motorcycle with Marilyn sitting comfortably behind him….sleeping often.  He enjoyed meeting new people and considered no one a stranger. He was the CEO of the family and passed his skills down to his children and grandchildren.  The Bollenbacher house was known to be the fun place to hang out because he welcomed everyone.

Agriculture became his career passion and he was always there for his customers.  His experience in the ag field made him an icon in the farming industry.  He worked for many grain elevators and fertilizer plants retiring from Star of the West Milling Company, then working as a transport officer for the Huron County Sheriff's Department.

James is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children: Jim (Mark Neal) Bollenbacher, Deb Herzog, Mike (Shela) Bollenbacher, Jenny (Leonard) Doran, Kathyrn (Matt) McGathy, Brian (Kim) Bollenbacher, Tricia (Ed) Duby and Carolyn (LaZandra White) Bollenbacher; grandchildren: Karlee, Josh, Noah, Billy, Sara, Hannah, Halle, Hayden, Taylor, Colin, Andrew, Sean, Kyle (Ceirra), McKenzie and Emma; and one great grandson, Waylon; sister, Bev (Nick) Hillabrand; and many loving nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Eric Herzog; and siblings: Rebecca Gangloff and John Bollenbacher.

To abide with James' wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19, a memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Please consider honoring his memory in your own personal way.