Jim Megaw Boaden Sr., 79 of Rochester, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital. He was born on November 29, 1944, in Pana, the son of Daris and Blanche (Megaw) Boaden. He married Marilyn Crist on October 3, 1997, in Springfield, Tennessee. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, spending time stationed in Germany. Following his time in the service, he attended the Illinois State Police Academy in 1970. Jim worked in many roles with the Illinois State Police and earned several certificates and awards. In 1972 he was awarded the American Red Cross Award for saving the life of an individual using CPR. During his career he worked closely with several area county and local law enforcement agencies and developed close ties with his colleagues and worked alongside his father, Daris, who was the Christian County Sheriff. He retired from the ISP as a Master Seargent following a career of 23 years.
Jim loved cars, especially Corvettes and owned several through the years. He enjoyed riding his Harley and tinkering in his shop. He also had a love of boating which drew him to live on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri for several years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was an avid Cardinal fan.
Jim is survived by his wife: Marilyn Boaden of Rochester; children: Corinne Boaden of Atlanta, Georgia, Jim “Jay” Boaden Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, William Scott Crist of Springfield, Kyle (Nicole) Patrick of Taylorville, and Ashley (Aaron) Peel of Kincaid; grandchildren: Amanda Hamstreet, Tiffany (Lucas) Arnette, Kyleigh Patrick, Hunter Peel, Tynlee Peel, Addison Patrick, and Kyla Patrick; great grandson: Wyatt Arnette; sister: Penny Joy (Jack) Brown of Taylorville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister: Pam Grant (Bill); brother: Rob Boaden; and nephews: Bryce Boaden, Billy Grant, and Darin Brown.
A funeral service for Jim will be held at 11:00a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Pastor Gerald McPhillips officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday, and burial with veteran’s honors will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital in St. Louis. McClure Funeral Home and cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Jim, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
