James J. Boczek Obituary
James J. (Jim) Boczek, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026 surrounded by his family in Goodyear, Arizona.
Born November 14, 1946 to Joe and Kay Boczek, Jim lived a life defined by dedication to his family, friends, and Cleveland sports teams. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the second of four children. His passion for sports began in childhood. He played baseball, football and basketball while also cheering on the Cleveland home teams. As an adult, Jim enjoyed bowling, racquetball, softball and golf.
Jim's first job was delivering newspapers for The Cleveland Press. He spent his teenage years selling "Ice Cold Coke here" in the stands at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. While in school, he worked at Pick-n-Pay Grocery and Sterling Lindner Department Store.
Jim graduated from Parma Senior High School in 1964, attended Cuyahoga Community College, and received his BBA Degree in Accounting at Cleveland State University in 1970. He began his professional career as an Auditor with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (1970-1982). While ensuring tax-payer monies were properly spent, Jim was stationed at Babcock & Wilcox (Barberton OH), Goodyear Aerospace (Akron OH), and Bendix Corporation (South Bend IN).
Jim and Barbara serendipitously met in a parking lot at Cleveland State University. Barbara's reaction was "I've just laid eyes on the most handsome man I've ever seen.". Jim too felt an attraction as they began to date and share their mutual Catholic upbringing, Polish heritage, large extended families, political persuasion, and love of music, movies, and trivia. They married in 1970 at St. Columbkille Parish in Seven Hills OH. Barbara was the love of Jim's life and Jim was her "partner in adventure.". Early days were a challenge due to Jim's active duty service in the Army Reserve when he was stationed first at Fort Leonard Wood MO and Fort Carson CO. When active duty ceased, the happy couple explored each other's favorite activities and attended live pop & rock music concerts, musicals, the ballet, the Symphony, and sporting events (they shared Cleveland Cavaliers season tickets with friends for many years). They enjoyed Ohio's parks and beaches as well as beginning travels around the country and to Canada, Mexico, and eventually Europe. When their three children—Rebecca, Erin & Christopher—came along, vacations to the Florida and Carolina beaches became a yearly tradition. Sharing oceanside rentals with the Terbeek family and also the Filigenzi & Schutte families made lifelong memories.
Above all, Jim loved spending time with his family. Known for his dry, quick wit, he kept his family in stitches with his one-liners and never missed an opportunity to chime in on most topics. Jim cherished time spent with his children and attended nearly every sporting event, dance recital, band concert, and school play.
When his children expanded their families he continued this tradition, becoming his granddaughter Sierra's biggest fan as she acted in theater productions and excelled at soccer. He was so proud of her accomplishments and loved to share thoughts on the big games when Sierra enrolled at University of Michigan, as well as the many experiences she was having in Ann Arbor. The arrival of baby Esmeralda brought joy to all of the family. Jim was in awe of such a beautiful tiny bundle, and amazed at how quick she grew from infant to two-year-old. Every day he looked forward to texts from Sierra and videos of Esme at "school" or on adventures with mom and dad.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Kay Boczek, his brother-in-law and best friend John Filigenzi, departed grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, and his favorite furry companion Bailey Lou.
Jim is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Rebecca Boczek and her partner Todd Schwarz, daughter Erin Michelle; son Christopher Boczek and his wife Raquel Laguna; grandchildren Sierra Schwarz and Esmeralda Boczek; brother Larry Boczek, sisters Marilyn Filigenzi and Michelle Boczek; brother-in-law Gary Juresko, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is also survived by his granddoggies Bodie and Misiu, and grandkitties Minnie and Boop.
A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Avon, OH this summer. Details to come.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Jim's favorite charitable organizations: World Central Kitchen (https://donate.wck.org*16r7hjl*_gcl_au*MzA2NzgzMzg2LjE3NzkwNjM4ODk.*_ga*MTAzNzcwMzU1Ni4xNzc5MDYzODg5*_ga_5WKVY8503C*czE3NzkwNjM4ODkkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzkwNjM4ODkkajYwJGwwJGgw), Doctors Without Borders, Americares Page load link.
