James Hugh Bostick

James Hugh (Jim) Bostick, 88, (Cdr., USN Ret.) passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Statesville, NC.

A graveside service with military rites will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery, officiated by The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Bedingfield.

Jim was born August 5, 1934 to James Archibald Bostick and Isabella Campbell Bostick in Laurinburg, NC.  He graduated from Laurinburg High School in 1952, and went on to Columbian Prep School in Washington, DC. in preparation for entering the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. in 1953.  While at the Academy he was on the staff of the school magazine, The Log, and was a cheerleader when the school was still all-male.  He graduated from the Academy in 1957 and was commissioned a Navy Ensign.  After graduation, he married Barbara Edwards from Laurel Hill, N.C.  They had three children, James Scott, Blair Edwards and Erin Melayne Bostick.  He and Barbara later parted.

His first duty station was in Pensacola, Florida, where he entered naval flight training.  After finishing basic training, he went to Kingsville, Texas for advanced training.  Upon completion in Kingsville, he was assigned to VS-30, an anti-submarine warfare squadron in Norfolk, VA.  The squadron later was reassigned to Key West, Florida.  Jim went on to serve at various Navy installations including Paris, France, as an aide to two different Admirals at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

Later, while assigned to Allied Forces Central Europe (AFCENT) headquarters in the Netherlands, Jim met and married Gillian Wyatt.  He and Gill had two sons, Matthew James and Timothy Brett.   After 26 years, Jim retired from the Navy at Lakehurst (NAS), New Jersey and he and his family continued to live in New Jersey where Jim worked for Planning Research Corporation (PRC) and Teledyne-Brown, for many years until they retired to North Carolina in 2008.

Jim was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Tommy Bostick and his eldest son, James Scott Bostick.  He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gillian; their two sons, Matthew James Bostick, Pittsburgh, PA. and Timothy Brett Bostick of Charlotte.  Also surviving are his son, Blair Bostick (Rebecca) Alexandria, VA, and his only daughter, Erin Cory of Medina, OH.  His seven grandchildren are Taylor Gray Bostick, Patrick Flynn Bostick and Kylie Grace Bostick all of Alexandria, James Sean Bostick, Lakeridge, VA; and Hayden Melayne Cory, Ashton Campbell Cory and Carson Foster Cory all of Medina. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Collin Cares.net, and the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 44256.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the family.

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