James G. Bolger of Galena, IL passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Prairie Ridge of Galena. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of mass at the church. A parish rosary will be recited beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial will be in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, there will be a Celebration of Life for Jim in the northwest suburbs in the spring. More information to follow. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. Affectionately known as Jim, Jimbo, Blatto, and Ozzie, but his favorite nickname was “Gramps.” He was born in Chicago, IL the son of Joseph and Mary Katherine (Ballantyne) Bolger. Growing up in Evergreen Park, IL, Jim started his long advertising sales career at the Beverly Oaks Mini Golf in his neighborhood, selling hot dogs to all the locals. After graduating from college in Yankton, SD, he worked at the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, and Omnibus Marketing and Advertising, as a “peddler” selling advertising.  A long and successful career, spanning over 40 years.  Jim developed many friendships that lasted all his lifetime. Jim loved all things South Dakota, having met his wife, Diane, and her large family there. Married for 50 years, Jim’s family grew and was full of kids, dogs, and cats.  His grandkids filled him with so much pride and joy.Jim and Diane have lived in Galena for 29 years, enjoying every moment of their lives here. He passed away on December 26 after watching a marathon of his favorite Christmas movie, “A Christmas Story” all day on Christmas. He will be remembered by his wife, Diane, his children, Michael (Stacy), William (Laurie), and Laura (David), grandchildren Quinn, Eamon, Ainsley, Evan, and Ashlyn, his sister, Mary Zoltek (Larry) and brother, Robert (Melissa) and nephew, Daniel, and his many friends and relatives. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Thomas Bolger, his in-laws, Vincent and Betty Bruggeman, and his much-beloved cat, Pumpkin. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Prairie Ridge, Galena EMS, the ICU doctors and nurses at Finley Hospital, and especially the nursing staff of 5 North at Finley.  Donations may be made to the American Heart Association at Heart.org or ALS at ALS of Illinois or the charity of your choice in memory of Jim.