Jim Bollman

James Carroll "Jim" Bollman was born July 6, 1935 to Carroll E. Bollman and Stella C. Sand Bollman on the family farm in Cokato, Minnesota. Jim, a 100% Swede, grew up in Cokato, located in Stockholm Township in southern Minnesota. Jim worshipped with his family at the Stockholm Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He graduated from high school in 1953 and then attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture in St. Paul until he was needed back home on the family farm. He quickly learned that farming wasn't the life for him, so chose to serve his country by volunteering for the draft. Jim joined the US Army in April 1955 and served for 2 years. It was in the army that Jim got his first taste of public announcing as the company clerk at Fort Benning, Georgia. His work as the "Radar" of the base helped him find his passion for radio. Jim officially began his radio career April 21, 1957 in Morris, Minnesota, reading a short newscast and commercial for a new station in the area. The program director had doubts, but saw potential and Jim was offered a job reading the news. He would spend the next 9 years learning his craft and perfecting "the voice" in Morris, before relocating to North Dakota in 1966. After a short stint in Bismarck, Jim found his forever home in Grand Forks, ND accepting a position with KNOX Radio doing the morning report. For the next 45 years, Jim was the voice of Grand Forks and UND Athletics. Jim leveraged his popularity and support in 1996 with a run for the Grand Forks Park Commission, and served tirelessly for the next 16 years. He was especially proud to be a part of building Kings Walk Golf Course and Choice Health and Fitness Center. His passion for his community and UND Athletics was matched by few, and honored by many. Though many know Jim as "a legend" in radio and the Grand Forks community, his true purpose in life was to love his family and his faith. Jim wasted no time marrying the love of his life once he found her. Ginny Lea Ellwood came into his life in the spring of 1975, they were married November 29, 1975 and their love story continued to unfold for the next nearly 40 years. Their family grew with the addition of daughter Lana in 1978 and son Mitch in 1980, both of whom adored their Dad and loved their busy family life of sports, church, camping and travel. The family enjoyed staying active and shared a common love for so many things. Jim was a dedicated member of United Lutheran Church, serving the congregation any way that he could. He loved to bowl, participating in both couples and men's league for 22 years. Jim loved softball, which he continued to play until he was 62 years old giving new meaning to the term "old timer's league." He was instrumental in shaping the Grand Forks softball program, serving both on the local softball board and on the state softball commission. He spent hours on the golf course, playing with friends, family, or anyone with an open spot in their round. Jim was a wonderful musician, with a smooth, golden bass voice. He loved singing with Music, Inc. and as a member of the ULC Cathedral Choir for over 40 years. He dabbled in community theatre and made lasting memories on stage. Jim treasured the friendships made over the years being involved in so many great activities. In his last years of life, Jim found a new place of peace and a love for the lake. It is at the family cabin on Tulaby Lake that he has requested his final resting place. Jim passed away after a mercifully short battle with melanoma on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 6:11pm surrounded by his loving family. Jim will be missed beyond measure by so many, but his legacy and contribution to his community and family will live on in so many ways. The family is able to take solace knowing that his body is at rest and they will be reunited with their very own Legend in Heaven. Jim is survived by his bride, Ginny Bollman and their children, daughter Lana (Scott) Beaton and son Mitch (Danielle) Bollman and their grandchildren Alex McArthur, James McArthur, Stella Beaton and three precious babies on the way. He is also survived by his children Jim (Janiel) Bollman, Karen Bollman, Angela Bollman, Julie Wiley, and their children and grandchildren; his siblings Jeanne Cressy, Tom (Mary) Bollman, Dan (Marcia) Bollman and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Cork and Stella Bollman who have waited long to greet their son with open arms and a good ol' Swedish hymn. Memorial Services for Jim Bollman will be Friday, June 5, 2015 at 10:59 am at United Lutheran Church, with a visitation Thursday, June 4, from 5:00-7:00 pm, also at United. Final arrangements are being handled by Amundson Funeral Home. Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church, the Altru Cancer Center and the Grand Forks Park District.