James Albert Boozer, age 81, was born on November 30, 1943, in Lanett, Alabama. He was raised by his devoted mother, Mattie Clyde Terrell, and his grandmother, Molly Terrell, who instilled in him the values of hard work, loyalty, and love of family.

James was known for his easy-going nature, but nothing mattered more to him than the well-being of his family, which he showed through his countless acts of service. He was kind and generous, often helping others in ways big and small.

James was the proud father of four children: Evangeline Johnson, James Boozer Jr., the late Gregory Boozer, and Cassandra (Boozer) Noonoo, whom he shared with his wife of over 40 years, Kathy Boozer. Together, James and Kathy built a loving marriage and shared many memories together.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathy; his children, Evangeline, James Jr., and Cassandra (Boozer) Noonoo and her husband, Ebenezer Noonoo; his sister, Helen Blackwell; his half-brothers, Willie Boozer and Oscar Boozer; and his cherished grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

James was preceded in death by his grandmother, Molly Terrell; his parents, Mattie Clyde Terrell and Willie Boozer; his sister, Ora Lee Alexander; and his son, Gregory Boozer.

James will be remembered not only for the love he had for his family, but also for the passions that brought him joy in life. A true Chicago sports fan, he cheered loudly and passionately for the Bears, Bulls, and White Sox—loyal through every win and every heartbreak. If you knew James, you knew not to bother him when the game was on—unless you wanted to join him for a little commentary and a cold beer.

James and Kathy were proud Bolingbrook residents. James took great pride in their home—you could often find him cutting the grass, trimming bushes, growing fresh herbs and vegetables in his garden, and making sure the house looked just right. He was proud of the home he and Kathy built together to raise their daughter.

James also enjoyed fishing at Hidden Lakes on Saturday mornings. He loved going to the racetrack with his best friend-turned-brother, Julius James, and sitting back "chopping it up" with his neighbor-turned-brother, Evertte Woods.

Beyond his community and friendships, James was a grill master with a PhD in BBQ ribs. Every time Kathy and James hosted a BBQ, everyone couldn't wait for his famous ribs. James and his wife loved to entertain at their home. He would always smile, constantly offer people drinks and food to ensure they felt welcomed, and you'd find him taking random photos at their parties. He hated posed photos—candid pictures were his style. He always said, "Take a lot of pictures—capture the memories," and he lived by that.

A proud retiree, James enjoyed his later years surrounded by family and friends, watching his grandchildren grow, and finding joy in the simple things.

James's life was defined by his deep love for his family and friends, his loyalty to his hometown teams, his easy smile, his quiet strength, and his unwavering generosity. His legacy will live on in the values he passed down and the love he poured into everyone around him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium, 530 West Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. His service will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Private cremation to follow.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.