Jim Boulé, more formally known as Harold C. Boulé, died on June 15, 2009^, at the Island Elder Care Home on Vashon Island, Washington. He was 85.

Born on November 3, 1923 in Walla Walla, Washington, Mr. Boulé was raised along with his 4 siblings on the grounds of the Veterans Hospital in Walla Walla, in a house reserved for the chief engineer, his father, F.J. Boulé. His mother, Mary Maher Boulé, worked as a nurse at the hospital.

Growing up on the grounds of the Veteran’s Hospital was full of adventure. Mr. Boulé recounted, to the delight of his children, driving an old Model A down to the barn at the age of 10 to milk the cows or sneaking into the poolroom for a game of Eight-Ball. One story in particular involved bowling balls appropriated from the bowling alley being rolled down the road headed towards town.  For the record, Mr. Boulé always denied his involvement, followed by a wink.

Family members also remember Mr. Boulé’s account of Charles Lindberg landing a plane on the long, grassy lawn of the hospital grounds.

After honorably serving his country by doing intelligence work in the Asiatic Pacific Theater World War II, Mr. Boulé returned to Walla Walla, ready to resume the life he had left behind. Mr. Boulé had claimed that a buddy of his suggested he register at Whitman College using the GI Bill, because the girls out numbered the boys 3 to one. 

Following his friend’s advice, this fateful decision led to finding the love of his life, Mary Jean Null Boulé, also a student at Whitman.  After marriage, 5 children in 6 years and launching a career in the transportation industry, Mr. Boulé and family landed in Claremont in 1960.

Mr. Boulé found success in the business world, working in top management in the trucking industry for Consolidated Freightways and Transcon trucking lines, and later working for Penton IPC as the advertising director for industry trade magazines.

Upon retirement, Mr. Boulé and his wife picked Vashon Island, Washington to live out the rest of their lives.

A passionate golfer, Mr. Boulé was a devoted member of the Vashon Country Club, serving a term as its president and overseeing the expansion of the clubhouse.

While in Claremont, he was often seen with his trademark stubby pipe, puffing intently, or walking his dog, Flynn, to the high school field carrying his wedge and a bag of golf balls to work on his game. 

He played golf almost until the last month of his life and said to his daughter just 2 days before he died, “Honey, when I’m not playing golf, I’m thinking about golf.”

Mr. Boulé loved his family and friends without condition, and everyone who knew him has a wonderful story to tell about an experience they had with him, the family shared.

But, they explained, his truest expression of love may have been his last.

Upon hearing the words, “Your father is actively dying today,” one of his children began a desperate trip to be by his side.  Hampered by traffic and a missed ferry, a call was made to Mr. Boulé’s room.  The nurse held the phone up to his ear, and he heard, “I’m on my way, be there soon.”

As Mr. Boulé saw his wife move towards him with outstretched arms, he said, “One of the kids is still on his way.  Give me just a minute.” Five minutes after the last child arrived, he gently died.  

He had waited. 

Mr. Boulé is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Margie Boulé and Dave Beck of Portland, Oregon; by his son, James “Buzz” Boulé of Vancouver, Washington; by his son and daughter-in-law, Pete and Jan Boulé of Vancouver, Washington; by his son, Charlie Boulé of Vashon Island, Washington; by his daughter and son-in-law, Martha Boulé Arneson and Dale Arneson of Spokane, Washington; by his grandchildren, Alexandra Boulé -Buckley of Washington DC, Matthew Boulé of Tokyo, Japan, Ken Arneson of Spokane, Washington, Emily Arneson Kelly and her husband Matthew Kelly of Federal Way, Washington, Jenna Boulé of San Francisco, Pete Arneson of Spokane, Washington and Chas Boulé of Huntington Beach; by his great-granddaughters, twins Addison and Avery Kelly of Federal Way, Washington; and by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann Boulé Barclay and Max Barclay, of Walla Walla, Washington.

His wife, Mary Null Boulé, preceded him in death in 2007.

Memorial contributions may be made to Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.