James Bolden Sr.

Mr. James W. Bolden, Sr. affectionately called, “Tip” by family and friends was the fourth child of the late Austin E. Bolden and Carrie Parker Bolden and was born on July 26, 1934 in Laurel De. He went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 15, 2013. He was educated in the Laurel School District and at the William C Jason High school in Georgetown, De. He served in the Navy close to nine years, where he excelled as a boxer receiving the welterweight championship. After leaving the Navy Tip attended Pensacola Tech in Pensacola, Fla. He was employed by General Foods until he established his own trucking business, JW Bolden & Sons. He grew his business and remained working until 4 years ago when he could no longer work because of illness. Tip married Diann H. Best on August 22, 2000, where they enjoyed a loving happy relationship. Tip had a long personal relationship with The Lord and was a member of Union Baptist Church for over 40 years. He was baptized by the late Rev. Williams of Union Baptist Church in 1974. He was a generous church member often working behind the scenes anonymously. Tip was in diaconate training prior to his failing health. Tip enjoyed nature as evident by his hobbies. He loved going fishing with his wife, Diann and lifelong friend Chase, and hunting with his nephew Dana, who he loved like a son. Tip’s life was best summed up by his son, Jube who said of his father,” my father was the truest definition of a man. He was a husband, hard worker, teacher, friend, leader, sailor, and more importantly a father. He taught us that you could achieve anything as long as you put your mind to it. He never complained about what needed to be done, and because of it he had a never-quit attitude. He was a man who worked well into his 70’s as age was never an excuse for him not to get anything done and Tip was a remarkable grandfather to his grandchildren as well. But one of Tip’s most admirable traits was the way he could fellowship with his family and friends and you could go to my father with anything; problems, questions, or just in need of a friendly ear and he would do his very best to be there for you. In addition to his parents, Tip is preceded in death by an infant daughter, two brothers, John A Bolden and Henry Curtis Bolden as well as one sister, Evelyn Crockett. He is survived by a loving and devoted wife, Diann Hammond Bolden; sons, James Jr., David, Carlos, Kevin, Robert Best (Dana) and Richard Best. Tip also leaves to mourn devoted grandchildren and sisters, Ethel C. Fooks and Kathryn V. Bolden; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

James Bolden Sr.

July 26, 1934 - August 15, 2013