Obituaries
James L. Boettger, 78
February 09, 2021
James L. “Jim” Boettger, 78, passed away on Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 after a lengthy illness. Born in Lancaster, PA he was the of the late Dorothy (Shenk) Brown and Lamar H. “Red” Boettger. He was the loving husband to Diana M. (Vogt) Boettger with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.
Jim was a beloved husband, father and Pappy. Jim was the proud owner of Boettger’s Garage at the Manheim Auto Auction. As a US Army Veteran, he was trained as a mechanic and repaired tanks. He was known for having talent in his ability to fix anything. As an avid sportsman, Jim enjoyed hunting at the family cabin and all the “hijinks” with his brothers in law. He also enjoyed weekends, with family, at his bay house on the Chesapeake, fishing and touring around on his yacht named “Lady Diana”. Jim also loved coaching for the Manheim Crusader’s girls’ softball team for more than a decade. Known for his bawdy, boisterous sense of humor, Jim was thoughtful, outgoing and had a generous heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Diana; children: Christina M. Futty fiancé of Art Palmer of Lititz, Melissa A. Boettger of Manheim, Jacqueline Schouten wife of Erik Schouten of Lititz, Amy Lynn Monaghan wife of Mike Monaghan of Rothsville and Barbara Sages wife of Joseph Sages of Lancaster; 11 grandchildren; siblings: Douglas Boettger of Lititz and Judy Cohen of Lancaster; several nieces and nephews as well as his beloved Labradoodle, Katie. He is preceded in death by a granddaughter and his siblings: Paul Boettger and Georgia Heisey.
A private service will be held at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory followed by interment at Manheim Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, www.cbf.org or Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
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Condolences to the Family
February 27, 2021
Hello all,
my thoughts and prayers are with you all. My mom (Leta Barton) and our family extend our deepest sympathy.
Carol Barton
February 17, 2021
It is with great sadness I offer my sincere condolences to the Boettger family. I met Jim many years ago working at the auto auction. He taught be a lot about what a good person looks like, always fixed my personal vehicles allowing for long term payment plans, and taught me enough about mechanics and arbitration to know how to approach resolving the issue. He loved coming into the office to chat and I often had to remind him – James, please use your inside voice. Due to covid, I never got to meet him for breakfast but will cherish the countless memories that still make me smile and warm my heart.
Patsy Staub/Porter
February 16, 2021
We have vivid fond memories of Jim that will last forever. Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Charles Husted
February 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to you all. Having Mr. Boettger as my softball coach was one of the highlights of my youth. Remember when we went 40-0 that one season?! While he will be missed, Mr. Boettger will live on fondly in the memories of many people, I’m sure. What a great guy with a great spirit – always cheering us on. My best, Manheim Crusader Dana (Dissinger) Davis
February 16, 2021
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.Jim was a wonderful, funny person. We had so much fun when he was a coach for “THE CRUSADERS” softball team! Jim will be missed by all!! R.I.P. JIM! JOHN& BRENDA BRENDEL
February 15, 2021
What fun times we had with Jim & The ” Crusanders” back in the ’80’s ! Watching those softball games,& having good times!Will Never Forget!! , you, Jim ! You were one of a kind, funny, good hearted soul!!
Brenda Brendel
February 15, 2021
Jim was one of the first individuals I met at the Manheim Auto Auction. He always brought a smile to my face with his kind heart and good sense of humor. I admired him for always helping our employees with car issues…and marveled at the amount of customers loyal to his business…he was indeed a busy and blessed man. I am truly sorry for your loss… May Jim rest in peace.
Kathie Glover
February 15, 2021
To a great coach who inspired my younger years on the field and in life, so many wonderful memories from signing the softballs after each great tournament win, throwing the water cooler on Jim after a win and of course the traditional Twin Kiss and Kreiders ice cream after every victory. He made me competitive in many ways and always encourged me to do my best. Rest in Peace Coach ~ Crusader Pitcher ~ Tara
February 15, 2021
My sincere condolences to the entire Boettger family. I have very fond memories of Jim, we would talk sports, mainly softball, and the joy of having daughters. When he had his garage at Manheim Auto Auction I would often visit, Jim would stop what he was doing and chat, making me laugh and make my day a little better each time. He was kind, had a heart of gold and will be missed by many. RIP friend.
Randy Derr
February 14, 2021
I would like to send my condolences on behalf of the Jaczynski family. He will truly be missed and my father will welcome him with open arms in heaven. I have many fond memories of living on First and Pearl streets and playing with all the Boettger girls. I remember Jim tying strings around my baby teeth and tying the other end to a doorknob and yanking those son of guns out when they were loose. Of course I was probably screaming my head off. He was gracious, kind and loving to all us kids. He will never be forgotten and I miss the Boettger family tremendously. My father and Jim will be guiding us from above now. We will be praying for the family and may our paryers guide you thru these tough times.
Kathy, Stephanie & Beth Jaczynski
February 14, 2021
“Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the night, there will be nothing left to steal” – except for maybe 1st to 2nd, and sometimes if you’re a Crusader – and you have a crazy third base coach – you steal home. Rest in Peace, Coach – we’ll be playing on that field again someday. ❤️ Love from Centerfield, Michele – Crusader #5
February 14, 2021
MY Thoughts and Sympathy to the Boettger Family
Anna Mary Boettger
February 14, 2021
Jim was indeed bawdy and boisterous but he was at the same time open, disarming, kind and honest. I enjoyed many years working with him at Manheim and was sad to see his long decline in health. He leaves a really fine family behind.
Vaughn N Good
February 14, 2021
My sincere condolences to all of you. Jim was an awesome man with a unique personality. I did business with him for many years but our relationship became a great friendship immediately. He was scary at first with his gruff personality, but was a teddy bear at heart. He will be greatly missed!
Trudy Hanna
February 14, 2021
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I loved Jim’s sense of humor and really enjoyed talking sports with him. He bailed me out of more than one car issue and there were times when he didn’t even charge me! My condolences to the entire Boettger family.
Charlie Shireman
