James "Jim" Boocher

James (Jim) Edward Boocher, 89, of Charlevoix, Michigan passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Grandvue Medical Care Facility. He was born on April 8, 1933 in Tipp City, Ohio, the son of Clark and Ruth (Balsbaugh) Boocher.

After graduating from Ohio State in 1955 with an Associate’s degree in Photography, Jim worked in sales for United Airlines and Nabisco, among other companies. In 1968 he joined the Community Booster newspaper in London, Ohio and went into publishing. Jim purchased the Booster in 1972, expanding it to five editions covering several counties. He later added a print shop and started several other ventures, becoming very active in the regional business community. The Booster was sold in 1978 and he moved his family to Charlevoix, where he opened Charlevoix Graphics, a print shop, first located on Antrim Street in the old Art Dry Cleaners building, then expanding with the construction of a larger building on US 31 S (now Habitec Security). In the 1990s Jim became sales manager for Review Directories PhoneGuide of Petoskey, also working seasonally with J-Mar Publishing. He retired in 2001, spending winters in Arizona where he worked part-time for Names and Numbers, winning Rookie of the Year at age 70. Jim loved what he did and most of his customers became friends. His success was due to hard work and a strong belief that his products genuinely helped his customers.

When not working, Jim enjoyed playing golf, taking road trips, long walks with his wife, convertible rides with Dale and Marilyn Boss in their big red Cadillac, grilling steaks and burgers and enjoying his family.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jane Boocher; two children, Linda (Jim) Boss of Charlevoix and Scott (JoAnne) Boocher of Scottsdale, Arizona; three siblings, Verna (Cal) Calahan of Tipp City, Ohio, George (Cheryl) Boocher of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Joseph (Millie) Boocher of Dayton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Vanessa (Allen) Godard of Hamilton, Montana, Connor Boss of Jessup, Maryland, Ryder Boss of Traverse City, Michigan, and Austin Boocher of Chandler, Arizona; and one great-grandchild, Jack Godard of Hamilton, Montana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Albert Boocher and Dale Boocher.

Jim’s family will celebrate his life privately in the summer of 2023.

Because of Jim’s love of Charlevoix, instead of flowers please send donations in his memory to “Keep Charlevoix Beautiful”, PO Box 1, Charlevoix, MI 49720.