James “Jim” Boone, 48, of Rifle, Colorado passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2012 in Rogers, AR. He was born February 29, 1964 in Kennett, MO the son of J.D. Boone and Betty Swift Boone.
Jim worked for Garfield RE-2 School District in Rifle, CO as a teacher and coach for 22 years.
Survivors include his wife, Jenny Boone of Rifle; 5-children, Taylor, Eli, Austin, Jacob and Emily Boone all of the home; 1-sister, Becky Brink and husband, Keith of Farmington; 2-nieces, Karsen Brink and Madeline Brink both of Farmington; his half-brothers, Larry Boone and Dennis Boone both of Arnold, MO and Michael Boone of St Louis. Preceded in death by his half-brother, Steven Boone.
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday; August 11, 2012 at the Farmington United Methodist with Rev. Troy Conrad officiating.
A second memorial service will be held at 10 A.M. August 18, 2012 at the Colorado Mountain College in Rifle, CO. Pastor Dean Johnson officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Farmington, AR United Methodist Church or the First Christian Church of Rifle, CO
Cremation arrangements are by Beard’s Funeral Chapel of Fayetteville.
Dear Family,
A little while ago I did an article about Jimmy in his hometown paper. I got to talk w/ him and I am so glad I did. He was such a wonderful young man even in school and everywhere you saw him. He was one of the few that you never saw in a position that was compromised . He was a great guy. We will remember you in prayer. God bless you all.
He was a great friend,
June and Larry Thompson
Campbell, Mo.
Jim was such a good kid & young man when we knew him. He played ball with our kids in Campbell, Mo. Sorry to hear about his death. We send our love to the family. May God bless
you & keep you in the day ahead.
Our prayers go out to your family. We just watched the video. It is beautiful. So glad you shared this with us.
I am so saddened to hear the news of Jim’s passing. I have very fond memories of Jim at OU, he was the true definition of “gentleman”. My sincere condelences to the family and my continued prayers for strength.
Laura “Lur” Martin-Ruble, class of ’90
Jenny, I’m saddened to hear of Jim’s death. You and the family are in my prayers. We OU people remember Jim as the Gentle Giant. Jan
Jim was a fine person, a good role model and someone who made a difference in the lives of children. There are no words to express our sorrow for his passing. May God bless Jenny and the children; our prayers are with you in this time of loss.
Dear Jenny and kids,
I just learned of Jim’s passing minutes ago. I am truly saddened and shocked by the news. I first got to know Jim on a business level back in 2001 or 2002. It quickly developed into a friendship that I will charish forever. He was a special person, with a big heart, great compassion, and deep understanding. He helped me out in my time of need, and stuck by me through some difficult times. You will always be in my heart, and my prayers Jim. I loved you like the brother I never had. May peace go with Jenny and the family. Love always, Tom Gallagher
I hold a very special place in my heart for Mr. Boone as my PE coach at Rifle Middle School 1991-1992. Looking back I now know what a big heart he had for children. I hope I can one day be looked up to in such a way. My prayers go out to his family.
B. Anderson
I met Jim in September 1984 at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo NM. He went out his way to make me feel welcome in the desolate and depressing surroundings I found myself stationed. During his brief stint in the military we became close friends. We were both jet mechanics and boxers. It was I who took the photo of him in his boxing garb shown in the video. It was also he who unintentionally broke my nose while sparing.
I last saw him in 1994 on the night the Arkansas Razorbacks won the NCAA Basketball Championship. I made this sad discovery while looking for my long lost friend on Facebook.
During the course of my nearly 49 years of existence I have come across both the very best and absolute worst of what humanity offers. I can honestly say that I never met anyone who had as big of a heart as Jim. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Though I have not had contact with Jim since the day after his Razorbacks won the national championship, the world as I see it will never again be as so bright as it was before I learned my long lost friend is no longer in it.
Your friend in both this life and the next — Alexander Michael Rossus
If his children ever want to know of Jim’s exploits in the Air Force they are welcome to contact me.
It has almost been a year sense my idol, menture and hero was taken from this earth. Mr. Boone or coach wasn’t just a teacher and coach to me, he was someone that I looked up to. I can remember countless times where something simple would turn into a leason. How his dry sense of humor would just crack me up. He tought me to be tough and to never give up. He pushed me to be better. He saw potential in me and believed in me. This very special man touched so many lives. I do thank him for all that he has done and I will be saddened to know that my children will not have the opportunities that came with learning and being with Mr. Boone. He is missed everyday. I thank him for everything he has ever done for me. Thank you sir. Rest in peace.
At least once every day, Coach Boone has an effect on my life. For two years I stepped away from the game of basketball because of a coach that did not respect me as a player. I was saddened for years not having Mr. Boone coach me. In my second year of college, I decided that I wanted to play the game that made me happy. A sport that coach Boone said I had great potential and drive. As I was thinking about my decision, Mr. Boone kept popping up. I could here him telling me to follow my dream. I could here him pushing me to use my talent. As I began the practices I was weak and tired and once again I could see him telling me to push harder to give it all that I had. His memory and wisdom has never left me. Coach was one man that made me be the person and player that I am today! Coach, you are very much missed. Rest in peach coach.