James Louis Bolton, 73, of Hillsboro, died Monday, May 3, 2021, at 11:06 a.m. at his residence.
Cremation rites were accorded. The family will hold a private graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro with Mark Noyes of Hillsboro officiating. Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home is Hillsboro is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Bolton was born Feb. 8, 1948, in St. Louis, MO, the son of James W. and Ethel J. (Schowengerdt) Bolton. He married Linda Kay Hilbert on Sept. 1, 1973, at the United Methodist Church in Pocahontas, and she survives.
A 1966 graduate of Hillsboro High School, he attended the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO. He was a member of the Missouri National Guard and the Illinois National Guard, and he was discharged in 1975. He was a also a member of the United Mine Workers.
He was a coal miner at Consolidated Coal Mine in Coffeen, Burning Star II and Crown III in Farmersville, as well as a manager of auto sales. As a union coal miner at Crown III Mine in Farmersville, he served many years on the State of Illinois COMPAC Committee. As a member of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local 12, he held all major union offices at various times, most recently holding the union financial officer for over 25 years.
He was a big fan of Mizzou sports, and was involved in many youth sports programs over the years. He coached both baseball and basketball teams and was the past president of the Hillsboro Sports Association.
He lived in Hillsboro for most of his life, as well as in Missouri and the Great Lakes near Chicago.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Cordy James (wife Carla) Bolton of Hillsboro; two grandchildren, Mya Bolton and Katelyn Bolton; siblings, Janice L. Sheridan of Shiloh and Jill L. (husband Tom) Olson of Pierre, SD; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Hillsboro Public Library Building Fund in Hillsboro or Stamp Out Cancer, in honor of his great friend, Ronnie Wygal.
Online condolences may be left at www.basspattondeanfh.com.
