James H. Bohlander Sr., 70, of Hampshire, IL and Fort Myers Beach, FL, went home to be with the Lord on February 23, after a brave one year battle with illness, which he faced with an amazingly positive attitude making all of us who love him incredibly proud. Jim had a lifelong passion for aviation which included a 39 year career as a pilot for Capitol and United Airlines which culminated in his flying the Boeing 747-400 on international routes and achieving the #1 ranking on the pilot’s seniority list. He owned numerous aircraft over the years including a WWII P-51 Mustang and restored several antique aircraft including his award winning Staggerwing Beechcraft. He is survived by his mother, Helen Torch; his wife, Shirley, whose caring and nurturing in the last months of his life were a tremendous comfort to all of us; his brother George whom he had a wonderful relationship with; his former wife Phyllis Hecox; his sons, James Jr., David and Michael; his stepchildren Robert Mecklenburg and Melissa Walters; and his grandchildren, Mary and Sarah Bohlander, Max, Angelica, Mary and Elizabeth Mecklenburg, Kayla and Jodi Doane, and Brendan Walters; plus friends, neighbors and business associates too numerous to mention. His love, caring and influence in our lives will be greatly missed. A service in remembrance of his life will be held at First Congregational Church, 265 E. Chicago St., Elgin, IL at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 847-741-4045. If desired the family asks that donations be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33908.
