James “Jim” Bostancic

James “Jim” Bostancic (Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army- Retired), 89, of Newport News, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023. He is now reunited with his beloved wife and high school sweetheart Shirley; his parents Ludwig and Flavia Bostancic; and his brother Robert.
Jim is survived by son Michael Bostancic (Sara) of Newtown, PA; daughter Margret O’Keefe (Gerry) of Midlothian, VA; son Marc Bostancic (Anne) of Matthews, NC, his grandchildren Brian Bostancic (Heather), Steve Bostancic, Katie O’Keefe, Peter Bostancic (Lindsay), Sara O’Keefe, and Molly Bostancic and great grandchildren Lila, James, Samuel, Theo and Benjamin Bostancic, and brother William Bostancic (Diane) and sister Elaine Skapik and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was born in Glencoe, OH and raised in Neffs, OH where he excelled in high school athletics as the quarterback on the State Championship football team and a star cross-country and long-distance runner, and also attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He went on to graduate from Ohio University with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and was commissioned as an infantry officer in 1954. Jim was a brave, honorable, and dutiful soldier who spent 28 years on active duty with the U.S. Army which included two tours of duty in Vietnam. His military decorations include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. In true military fashion, Jim, Shirley, and their family traveled and lived across the United States (visiting all 50 states), Europe and Asia as Jim fulfilled his boyhood dream of serving his country.
Upon retirement, Jim and Shirley moved to Yorktown where he continued to invest in his community by serving on the board of various veteran’s organizations. His legacy is etched in the annual trips to OBX with his cherished family, spontaneous poker games that brought joy to loved ones, and unforgettable weeks of Camp Run Amok with his adored grandchildren. In addition to these memories, Jim’s warm smile, good-natured spirit and zest for life will continue to live on forever, in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known him. Jim lived an extraordinary life and will be remembered for both his love and devotion to his family and his country. A service to celebrate Jim’s life with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, a cause near and dear to his heart. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.