James Edward Bouman, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 1, 2026, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born the second child of four on September 13th, 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Bill Bouman and Mary Noonan Bouman, Jim would join the Brothers of Holy Cross out of high school before moving to Austin, Texas where he graduated from St. Edwards University. He later attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning his Master’s degree in social work, where he would meet his wife, Sandra.

He and Sandy would adopt two South Korean children and raise them in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Jim was a restless intellect whose command of the English language was admirable, he knew every word there was to know—a true human dictionary and his ability to write was a gift. He applied this gift, along with skills in speech and teaching across various industries, including education, engineering, healthcare, and social work.

Jim was most known among his friends and colleagues for his civic engagement. He was a proud “lefty” who fought for different causes he felt needed change, at all levels of government, large and small. He continually challenged administrations throughout his life, seeking action, accountability, and transparency. He proudly protested, peacefully, both on and offline. He championed the Cuban people, organizing drives for supplies and humanitarian aid via Caravan to Cuba; he was a staunch fighter for water issues in Waukesha, and he openly opposed US military action in wars overseas.

He is fondly remembered by friends and family for his lively civic debates, award winning Irish soda bread, Cuban sandwiches, and for opening his home to refugees and international students in need of short-term housing as they navigated their lives in the US. He was proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed traveling to new countries, including visiting cousins who still reside in County Mayo, Ireland.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Jesse and Daisy (Aaron); his niece, Alyx; and his sister, Mary Jo Bouman. He joins his brother, Joe, and sister, Kathy, who preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, please exercise your first amendment rights and peacefully protest the cruelty of the current administration and the civil liberties that are under attack.