Jim Boeger

Jim Boeger learned the value of the work ethic early while spending the first eighteen years of his life on a small farm in northeast Missouri. During those years he grew to 6'9". Even so, he scorned basketball for farming and fishing and a strong interest in the high school 4-H program.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla and his Master of Science in Industrial Administration from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Jim landed a job in Grand Haven, Michigan and it was there that he started his Scouting career. He continued in Brian, Ohio, and Quincy, Illinois before moving to Rockford. After 20 years in industry, Jim decided to give teaching a try as a member of the faculty of Rock Valley College.

Jim was never a Scout as a youth, but as an adult was a Scouter for more than 40 years. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 425, Rockford, and also as a member of the executive board and camping committee of Blackhawk Area Council and was on the Central Region Board. He received the God and Service Award from the United Methodist Church, the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver, Vigil Honor, the Scouters Key, was a Wood Badge staff member, and served on the faculty of Philmont Training Center and three National Scout Jamborees. Additionally, Jim wrote two books about his Scouting experiences.

Ray Wood recalls,

During 23 years as a Scoutmaster, Jim had more than 60 young men earn the rank of Eagle Scout and they and hundreds of other boys had a constant opportunity to participate in ever-changing, challenging, and exciting adventures.

These included among many: a weekend outing every month; smaller group outings several times each year; and major high adventure experiences (11 Philmont and six Boundary Water treks). He also planned and led three “super treks,” which were 15-day trips throughout the Rockies with 45 Scouts and fathers.

Jim ensured that the Scouting program came alive for both the Scouts and their parents. The excitement and commitment that he created was driven by his dedication and passion for the program, coupled with his love for teaching; i.e., sharing his knowledge and providing the opportunity for young men to learn and not only meet challenges, but to conquer them. All of this was done by being a positive role model and exemplary example of a man living the Scout Oath and Law by teaching, not by “doing” it for the boys. A consequence is that a meaningful number of these young men and their parents were captured by the Scouting spirit, and continue to this day to give back to Scouting with their leadership at the unit, council, area, region, and national levels.

Jim has been incredibly generous with his talent, time, and treasure, once again by leading by example. This includes his vision for and the funding of the Boeger Leadership Center for our council, which is located at Camp Lowden.

This is a man who created a positive and life-changing experience for all those who were fortunate enough to be actively involved with Troop 425 (a 100-boy troop). Jim truly is a great Scouter, an outstanding Scoutmaster, and a good man who lives the Scout Oath and Law. He has made a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of young men and many of their parents through his extraordinary leadership, positive role model, strong positive values, and skill at effectively providing the Boy Scout program, as it is intended, to the young men in his troop. The world is, without doubt, a better place because of Jim Boeger and his leadership.

Steve Sarver recalls,

Although Jim’s books were published some time ago, the philosophy that he conveys is still sound and there is absolutely nothing that is out of date. On many occasions I have given a copy to a new leader in Scouting. Both books are outstanding and should be required reading for every adult leader.

Outside of Scouting, Jim served as a volunteer driver at the Rock River Valley Blood Center. He worked in excess of 2,000 hours as a volunteer at Swedish American Hospital, served on the board of trustees at his church, driver safety program instructor for AARP, volunteer interpretive ranger for the National Park Service, friend of the Rockford Public Library during their annual book sales, and as a board member of the National Railway Historical Society. Jim also found the time to assist with the Salvation Army's Christmas Food Drive and Toys For Tots programs...volunteering his time at the very busiest of times during the holidays.

Jim passed away in April 2012.