Longtime Fair Havenite, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) graduate, coach and volunteer, James “Jim” Andrew Bogardus, known to many as Bogie, passed away on Aug. 28. He was 55.
Photo/family via John E. Day Funeral Home
“Jim will be mourned and missed by family, countless friends and the community he loved. Above all else, Jim was a person whose generosity touched the hearts of an unprecedented amount of people. His empathy was boundless and he always made everyone he met feel at home. Anyone who knew Bogie, regardless of time spent together, could recall his sense of humor and heart of gold. He was simultaneously a cheerleader, a coach, a best friend, a brother, a father and a loving husband. He will always be remembered in countless stories, for his community impact and a passion for classic rock. An exceptional life-long athlete, Jim played football for RFH, then continued his athletic career at Hofstra University, graduating with a B.S. in Finance from East Carolina University. A tireless sports enthusiast, Jim was an avid NY Giants fan — he took a keen interest in football, sports education and thoroughbred racing, becoming an owner of winning racehorses.
Together with his family, Jim took every opportunity to share his love of life,
Loved ones of Jim Bogardus in his obituary
music, travel and the arts.
Jim’s love of community manifested in many ways. He and many of his friends were dedicated to the Keith D. McHeffey Foundation, in support of his lifelong friend lost to 9/11/01. For many years, Jim gave time and talent to groups such as the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, RFH Crew, RFH Performing Arts Society, Boys Scouts of America and Relay for Life. He coached Pop Warner Football and Fair Haven Rec Baseball. His work as a medical volunteer sparked an interest in transitioning his career later in life.
“Jim’s quiet and calm professionalism earned him respect from colleagues and clients alike,” his obituary said. “Known affectionately on the New York Stock Exchange, trading desks and around Monmouth County as Bogie, Jim had a presence that was larger than life. He had a successful 25-year career on Wall Street as an institutional equity trader to some of the largest national and global asset managers.”
Twenty four years ago, he fell in love and married Dr. Victoria DiBernardo-Bogardus, with whom he welcomed two extraordinary children — Shannon and Michael, who became the light of his life, who he leaves behind.
Jim is predeceased by: his mother, Barbara Sneed; father, John Bogardus; and brother, Jeffrey Bogardus.
He leaves his beautiful wife, Vicky, and children, Shannon and Michael; beloved mother-in-law, Addy DiBernardo; a large, extended family of 14 sisters- and brothers-in-law; 26 nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, and cousins; numerous friends; and a community full of people who loved him dearly.
A memorial gathering and celebration of life with Jim’s family and friends will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home
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