James “Jim” Edward Bolding, a passionate football enthusiast, devoted family man, and a person of steady honesty, passed away on April 20, 2025, at the age of 70.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marsha, and their two daughters, Carrie and Brenn.
Jim’s love story with Marsha was strong because they supported each other and shared important values.
Marsha was not only a partner to Jim but also a source of strength for their family and his legacy.
Born on March 3, 1955, in Petersburg, Virginia, Jim grew up in a close-knit family with his parents, the late William and Penny Bolding, his late sister Donna Bolding Fiala, and his brothers, David and Steve.
Raised in Jamestown, North Carolina, Jim’s early years were filled with sports, laughter, and the values of hard work and respect that would define him.
Jim’s love for football blossomed at Ragsdale High School, where he graduated in 1973.
His talent on the field earned him a full scholarship to East Carolina University (ECU), setting the stage for a remarkable collegiate career and a lifelong connection to the Pirates.
Bolding Was A Football Legend At East Carolina University
At ECU, from 1973 to 1977, Jim became a football legend.
A four-year starter at defensive back, he made an immediate impact, intercepting a then-school-record seven passes in his freshman year while leading the team with 20 punt returns for 164 yards.
His athletic prowess earned him two All-American honors and All-Southern Conference selections. Jim still holds ECU’s record for career interceptions with an impressive 22.
In 1995, Jim’s contributions were immortalized when he was inducted into the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame.
He often said the Pirates gave him the chance to play the game he loved while wearing Purple and Gold, and he gave back tirelessly, serving on the ECU Board of Visitors and the Hall of Fame Committee. His passion for the program never faded.
Jim graduated from ECU in 1977 with a degree in business administration, a foundation that would guide his professional life. But his humility and kindness left the deepest impression on those who knew him.
Jim’s wife, Marsha, was the most important part of his life.
Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, Marsha studied at the University of Virginia and built a successful career as an Executive Territory Manager at ConvaTec, where she has worked since January 2007.
Marsha was always there for Jim, and their 40-year marriage showed how they supported each other.
Together, they raised two daughters, Carrie and Brenn, instilling in them the same values of family, respect, and hard work that defined Jim’s life.
Their home in Cary, North Carolina, was filled with love, laughter, and the occasional football game on TV.
Marsha’s strength and grace were evident every moment, especially as she stood by Jim through life’s joys and challenges.
Losing Jim has been heartbreaking for Marsha, but her resilience and the love they shared continue to shine through. Their daughters, Carrie (married to PJ) and Brenn, along with their grandchildren, Cayson and Livvy, carry forward the family’s legacy of closeness and care.
Jim Loved Football Even After He Stopped Playing
Jim loved football even after he stopped playing. He shared his love for the game as an assistant coach at Cary High School and Apex Friendship High School, mentoring young athletes with the same dedication he brought to his own career.
His influence on the field was matched by his impact off it.
Professionally, Jim found success in telecommunications and agriculture.
In 1999, he founded AgChemical.com LLC, a Cary-based company he ran until his passing. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence were evident in everything he did.
Jim’s perfect day was simple yet joyful. He enjoyed fishing with his brothers, David and Steve, watching football or hockey, competing at boot camp, or cheering at an ECU athletic event.
His sense of humor and genuine kindness made him a friend to all.
Whether he was joking with buddies or spending time with his grandchildren, Jim lived life with a warmth that drew people to him.
A devoted First United Methodist Church member in Cary, Jim found strength in his faith and community.
A memorial service will be held at the church on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., where friends and family will gather to celebrate his life.
Jim’s impact reached far beyond his immediate circle. He treated everyone with respect, from teammates to strangers, and his humility made him a role model.
His brothers, David and Steve, along with countless relatives and friends, mourn his loss but cherish their shared memories.
In lieu of flowers, the Bolding family has requested donations to the Jim Bolding Football Scholarship Endowment at ECU.
This fund will support student-athletes, helping to recruit and encourage the next generation of Pirates.
It’s a fitting tribute to a man who credited ECU with giving him his start and who gave so much back in return.
Jim Bolding’s life was a playbook of love, integrity, and passion.
His wife, Marsha, stood by his side through every chapter, and together they built a family and a legacy that will endure.
From the football fields of ECU to the quiet moments at home, Jim’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
