In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, given his draft status during the Korean War. He was promoted to Corporal in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1954, serving in the Marine Reserves until 1960. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal.

Following discharge from the USMC, Jim enrolled at Mankato State University where he earned a degree in Music and English and earned his Minnesota Teacher’s Certificate in 1958. He added a further degree in Elementary Education from MSU. His education took him to Winthrop, where he taught music and English. He then taught at New Ulm’s Emerson School in 1962 and later transferred to Jefferson Elementary where he taught 6th grade until Washington Elementary opened. He continued teaching 6th grade there until his retirement in 1991. He was well liked and respected by colleagues and students alike.

He loved his home on S. Franklin Street, within walking distance of Jefferson Elementary. He was an avid gardener and his garden in New Ulm was his great delight–spending hours out of doors in his big straw hat tending flowers, many of which he transplanted from his mom’s flowerbed. Fellow teachers remember him as an avid cook who entertained them regularly at home.

Outside of teaching, James was an active member of the community. He served as the general manager of the Wanda Gag House, tour guide for the Brown County Historical Society, and was a member of the New Ulm American Legion.

Music was an important part of Jim’s life. He delighted in attending organ concerts and served as church organist in Westbrook.

He loved travelling in his younger years, taking a round-the- world trip in 1972. The trip began with 3 weeks in Hong Kong where his sister Lois and family lived and ended in England. His slides show how far and wide he ranged.

During his life Jim was devoted to his parents, his three siblings, six nieces and nephews, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins who grew up around him in Westbrook. Still important in Jims’s life to the end were the next-door neighbors from Westbrook, the Marshall family, and in New Ulm his beloved colleagues, notably his fellow Washington Elementary teacher Bill Otto, and his wife, Sue. In his final years at Ridgeway, Loretta Gerasch was his dear aide and companion.

James Boeck, age 95, of New Ulm passed away peacefully Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Ridgeway on 23rd in New Ulm with his nephew Tony at his bedside.

A graveside service at Westbrook Cottonwood cemetery will follow later in the summer. Minnesota Valley Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Wanda Gag House Association or the Brown County Historical Society.

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