James Bodien
December 21, 1934 – September 12, 2020
James Bodien, (Jim) 85 of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away September 12, 2020. He was born on December 21, 1934 in Sussex, New Jersey. His parents were William Bodien and Olga Salveson Bodien. Jim grew up in Staten Island, New York and graduated from McKee High School. He also graduated from Teterboro Aviation School located in Moonachie, New Jersey. He began his aviation career with American Airlines, first in New York as an airline mechanic and then relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he worked his way up to Crew Chief of heavy overhaul maintenance in the hangers. Jim worked for American Airlines for 37 years and retired in 1996.
Jim is survived by his wife Emma (Christ) Bodien of 61 years and 11 months. His sister Alice Larson of Bellingham, Washington, Sister-in-law Edith Bodien of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and his children, Beth McGovney (& Sandy Torres) of Claremore, OK, Glen Bodien (& Becky) of Becker, MN, Bonnie Neal (& Michael Maher) of Tulsa, OK. He is survived by his grandchildren, Charrelle McGovney-Wiley (& Steve Wiley), Bayley Bodien Lewis (& Jordan Lewis), Sara Neal Magee (& Dorian Magee), Brandon Bodien, Eli Neal, Brooke Bodien Nohner (& Nathan Nohner), Tommy Neal, and Brittany Bodien, his great granddaughters, Avyn Neal Magee and Evelyn Neal, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He loved them all dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Olga, his brothers William Bodien & Robert Bodien, Sister-in-law Alice Bodien, Brother-in-law Arland Larson, Son-in-law Walter McGovney and his youngest son Gary James Bodien.
He was called Jim Papa by his grandchildren. He loved to take them on excursions across the country to visit relatives and see the world. He tried to attend all his grandchildren’s functions, whether it be dance recitals, concerts, musicals, plays, basketball games, football games, soccer games, weddings or other events, even if they were located out of the state of Oklahoma.
He loved to interact with people anywhere and everywhere (Airport Freewill Baptist Church, the bowling alley, salvage yards, etc.). He knew no strangers, and could fix just about anything. He was willing to help whomever and however he could. In the later years, he made and gave away beef or venison jerky and dried fruit. Some called him the “Jerky Man”. He had numerous friends of all ages and was loved by all.
He will be missed. Rest in heavenly peace Dad, aka Jim PaPa.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.