James Edward Bohlken (Jim Bob) passed away on September 27th, 2023, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loved ones. Jim Bob was born November 3rd, 1955, in Mineral Wells, TX, to Ivan “Swede” Bohlken and Hildegard Dopfner. Proud of Air Force heritage, Jim Bob spent his youth at Air Force Bases in Rochester, MN; Tucson, AZ; Bitburg, Germany; and Rantoul, IL.
Upon MSgt Swede Bohlken’s retirement from the Air Force in 1970, the family moved to Talmage, NE, where Jim Bob would attend and graduate from Nemaha Valley High School in 1974. This is also where he met his future wife, Dianne Grundman, although it wouldn’t be until years later that he could convince her to listen to his stories for the rest of her life.
Jim Bob was known for being an amateur artist, avid storyteller, fisherman, firefighter, and hunter, but an even better husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Jim Bob took great pride in being a loving husband and father. He was also proud of working for the Talmage Farmer’s CO-OP for his entire career until he retired, or so he told his family, in 2021. Jim Bob loved giving back to his community, serving as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for over 40 years. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; son, Jeff (Sharissa); daughter, Jessica (Jordan) Blayney; grandchildren, Elias and Addison Blayney; sisters, Mary (Don) Morris and Angie (Andrew) Hansen; and many other family members, friends, and loved ones.
A short funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on October 7th, 2023, at the St. Paul UCC Church (Osage), 3288 “R” Road, Cook, Nebraska. No viewing or visitation. There will also be a small luncheon held at the Talmage Community Center directly after the service. Private family interment of ashes will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to be given to the Talmage Rescue Squad, Fire Department, or to the family for the family to donate to various organizations Jim Bob supported to help carry on his legacy.
Thoughts and prayers to Diane and his family.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Jim was a good person, the kind that seems to be harder to find these days. He listened, volunteered, participated, and had a welcoming handshake. But perhaps most importantly, he was present in the moment. He took an interest in his family and their activities, but also involved them in his interests (hunting). My sincere condolences to the family.
Jim was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and definitely always had stories to tell!! Of all the northeast parents we knew he was the best of the best. Many are so sad by his passing and he will be missed. 😕❤️