James M. Boltz

James Michael (Mike) Boltz, 78, of Augusta, MI left us suddenly and unexpectedly on February 13, 2023. Mike was born in Perham, MN on April 1, 1944 to James T. and Stella V. (Finnegan) Boltz. After spending his first 14 years in his hometown of Frazee, MN, he attended high school and college at Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, OH, and did post-graduate work at the Josephinum and Saint John’s Seminary in Plymouth, MI.

Mike was ordained as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Kalamazoo in 1970 and spent two years at Saint Joseph in Kalamazoo before embarking on a new career with the Calhoun County Juvenile Court, allowing him to continue using his unique combination of compassion, selflessness, patience, and critical thinking to make a positive impact on as many people as possible. Mike worked for Calhoun County for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2011 as court administrator for the Calhoun County Circuit Court, Probate Division. His impact has extended far beyond what we can begin to describe, and we welcome any stories and memories you have of Mike.

Family was very important to Mike, and he rarely missed his kids’ and grandkids’ games and events, and attended as many family weddings and funerals as possible. Mike enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, staying active, sports, and music. He could hold a conversation with anyone on any topic, he was a lifelong learner who was extremely well read and taught himself multiple languages, and he enjoyed imparting his knowledge and wisdom on his family. Mike could tell a story with the best of them, as anyone with whom he held court can attest. Mike is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of nearly 49 years, Terri (Barnes) Boltz; his children Matt (Kortney Sullivan) Boltz of Lewis Center, OH; Tara (David Ziegler) Albaugh of Marshall, MI; Shauna (Chris) Carr of Richland, MI; Daniel (Heather Steele) Boltz of Bradenton, FL; and his brother John (Connie) Boltz of Hardeeville, SC. Mike is also survived by nine grandchildren whom he adored; Maddie, Abby, Savannah, and Emily Carr; McKenzie Albaugh; Harper and Piper Boltz; Jack and Molly Sullivan; and 18 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Ann Trowbridge.

A funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24 at Saint Thomas More Catholic Parish in Kalamazoo, MI. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. immediately preceding the Mass, and there will be a luncheon immediately following the Mass. A gravesite ceremony at Mount Olivet Diocesan Catholic Cemetery will be held after the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Mike’s memory to the United Service Organization (USO) to support those serving our country:

https://secure.uso.org/?sc=WEBDONATE.

While visiting www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Mike’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Boltz family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. (269) 679-5622.