James William Boor

James William Boor

April 9, 1941 – December 4, 2023

James William Boor, age 82, of White Bear Lake went to be with Jesus the morning of December 4, 2023, while at home with his family.

Jim was born on April 9, 1941, to John and Marie Boor of New Richmond, WI. Being the youngest child of six, Jim’s dad was more of a grandpa to him than a father. Jim enjoyed time with his dad fishing and squirrel hunting. On one occasion, Jim’s shot went through a squirrel and accidentally shot his dad in the belt buckle, knocking the wind out of him.  Jim thought he killed his dad, but all was well, and they took the squirrel home.

After Jim graduated from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. When Jim completed bootcamp, he was received for duty on the USS Nereus on August 27, 1959. While serving on the USS Nereus, Jim received the Good Conduct Award in June of 1962. He then went on to serve on the USS Helena on January 16, 1963. He served in active duty until June of 1963 and then served in the Navy reserves for two years and was honorably discharged on June 1, 1965.

During his service on USS Nereus, Jim started to write to Josephine Varrassi of Chicago, IL. After writing to each other for a series of months, they met for the first time in April of 1962. Just three months later, they were married on July 14. After 12 months in California, they returned to Jo's hometown with their new baby daughter, Justine, for a short stay before they moved to New Richmond, WI.

In 1964, they moved to Saint Paul and had their second daughter Janelle. In May of 1966 they purchased their first and only home in White Bear Lake and had two boys Jared and Jason. Jim was a faithful husband and father who provided well for his family. In the words of his brother, Leo: “He was a true warrior, devoted husband, faithful Christian, exemplary father, and cherished brother. His absence will indeed be felt by all of us for a very long time.”

He was preceded in death by parents, John and Marie Boor; wife, Josephine; brothers, Ken and Earl Boor; and great grandson, Benjamin Jakubowski. He is survived by, daughters Justine DeWitt (Dan), Janelle Guitelli (Dan), sons Jared Boor, and Jason Boor (Katie), along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their loving care and support. Nurses Jessi and Kristi, health aid Alyssa, social worker Taylor, Music Therapist Maddie. In the words of Jim: “Drive safe, please.”

Our family wishes to thank you for sharing this special day. We are filled with gratitude for your prayers, gifts, cards, and acts of kindness.

Memorial service Saturday, December 9th – 11:00 AM at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Event Center. Visitation at 10:00 AM - Luncheon to follow the service.

A private interment, with military honors, will be held at Fort Snelling on Monday, December 11th at 9:30 AM.