Jim passed from the complications of Cancer peacefully this morning in Hemet, CA. Jim and I were firefighters together in San Diego County in the late '50's. He loved cars. He even had a knack for doctoring under the hood of our fire engines. I do remember his '56 Ford F-100 big window. Big yblock 340 under the hood. He and his beautiful wife Carol moved to Hemet and he started a shop in his garage. From there it was all up, bigger and better for him. He left many beautiful Hot Rods as a testimony to his abilities to do treat work. His son now operates the shop and he too has learned well from Jim. RIP Jim and thanks for allowing us the time together we all enjoyed with him. Normbc9
Thoughts & prayers to his memory, and his family & friends. Being in Hemet, Jim probably knew the late-Dick Dean and his son Keith. Sad news when any of our group passes on. Jonnie King
I have been receiving phone calls about this and there is a little bit of confusion. Although i have known the entire Bouchard family for years including senior, Jim Bouchard Jr. is still with us. His father Jim Sr. unfortunately passed away yesterday. Sr. was a long time Hot Rodder who left us too early. His well known '40 Ford coupe was seen around the world as it was used in advertisements for years. R.I.P.
Knew Jim for more then half my life, as a neighbor, a troublemaker, and an inspiration. He will truly be missed. My Condolences go out to Carol, Jimmy and the rest of the Bouchard Family
Wow, that's heavy! Thanks guys for all your kind words and thoughts. These are defiantly hard times. My father Jim Bouchard was a Fireman all his life and a life long Hot Rodder. He passed the Hot Rod thing to me when I was very little. While he has built numerous cars over his lifetime and has been involved with my activities in my business, it is/was all me that went professional and I have run my Hot Rod shop all on my own for the last twenty years. My father has been a HUGE part of my life and his teachings and love of Hot Rods and Customs has played a big part of my life. He will be missed by me and my family. As a Fireman, he also is a member of a huge family of Fire Fighters that he has known and influenced all his life too. The Hot Rodding and Fire families are very similar and I would like to thank everyone for all the help and support.
wow jimmy your Dad was the coolest I do remember every time i would see him he would say (hay kid hows it going) our fathers gave us both something we can be very proud of is the love for old cars and the people that make them so. your Dad was one of them people. you got my number man
Sorry to hear your loss, Jim. I remember the feature of your dad's '40 coupe, in R&C, and thought it was so cool that it was a feature car with a dinged "chin". Prayers for you and the family in your time of loss.
Sorry Jim to here about your dad. I remember his forty well from american Rodder and seeing it at L.A.R.S every year. I just lost my dad earlier this year, and it's hard to deal with. My condolences...
knew Jim for 35 years as Hot Rodder and FF. The world has lost a good man. Glad I had a chance to see him last year.
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