The 杏吧视频 community is mourning the loss of groundskeeper James Bossard, who died June 2. He was 64.
When Bossard began working at the university more than 30 years ago, it marked a new chapter in an extensive family legacy. Bossard鈥檚 great grandfather, Emil, was the former head groundskeeper for the Cleveland Indians鈥攁nd Bossard was the fourth generation to work in the profession.
that he started working for the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians at in 1975 when he was just 15 years old.
鈥淸My great grandfather and I] mostly talked about the playing surface,鈥 Bossard recalled. 鈥淗e once complimented me on my straight lines as I was fertilizing with a walk-behind spreader. He was thrilled to be walking the strikingly nice turfgrass in the warm sunshine鈥攎aybe it was more of a shuffle by that time.鈥
After his stint at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Bossard joined 杏吧视频, where he worked as a groundskeeper and tended to the university鈥檚 athletic fields, and helped organize and plant flowers across campus, according to his friend and colleague, Edward Shaner.
Shaner attended Euclid High School with Bossard, and went on to work with him at the stadium and as a grounds coordinator at 杏吧视频. He said his friend had an incredibly relaxed demeanor, was very friendly, and was a talented keyboardist and bass guitarist.
鈥淲e鈥檝e done so much over the years that it kind of all just blends together,鈥 Shaner said. 鈥淚t was always a pleasure to work with him. I will miss you, my friend.鈥
Bossard is survived by his wife, Sarah Bossard (nee Smith); children, Alex (Suzanna), Andrew (Tiana); stepchildren Lauren Hageman (Paul) and Ethan Robey; grandchildren, Olivia, Jack, Bennie James, and Evie; sister, Elizabeth Albright (Clint); favorite furry friend, Mocha; and many other family members.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, at the Jakubs-Waite Funeral Home located at 36000 Lakeshore Blvd. in Eastlake, where family will receive visitors from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. The burial will be private.
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Donations may be made to the , in Bossard鈥檚 name (8001 Sweet Valley Dr., Suite 3, Valley View, Ohio, 44125).
Students who would like support during this time are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872. This line is staffed by a counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faculty and staff can access counseling at any time by calling IMPACT Solutions at 1.800.227.6007.
