James D. Boelk, 24

My family and I have known James since 2002 when we were all stationed at Vandenberg AFB, Ca. We shared the commonality of faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior and our families went to church together and shared activities on occaision. We have great memories of James and his very respectful demeanor, his wit and his love for the Lord. We all parted ways after a couple years, but kept in touch with the family via facebook and email.

God bless you Dave and Cilicia and family as you endure this dark moment. We know while it is not our desired timing, it was the Lord's timing to call James home. 2 Cor 5:8

To the Boelk family: Please accept our sincerest prayers for the family. We know the pain you are going through but rest be assured that the Americans all over the world are one with you now.
Sincerely,
The Librandos

To The Boelk Family: I wanted to take a moment to say my prayers go out to your family. James and I went to GSBC together and also lived together for a few years after college. James was a great friend, and will be missed. If i can be of any help in this time, please let me know, God Bless.

James was my nephew. A young man searching for his passion in life. He made his way from one venture to the next and found himself a part of the military tradition in our family. I thank the Lord that we had the time with him that we did. I wish now, that I had taken all those missed opportunities to be a bigger part of his life- but there was always tomorrow, wasn't there?

I've only met James once, and i'm very sad that it will be my only time meeting him. He was so sweet and fun. He's a hero to me, and always will be. Farewell James, I'll see you again one day!

LCpl Boelk is an amazing Marine. He was always very respectful, and inspired Marines around him to be better people. October 15, 2010 will be a day that the Marines of 3/5 Kilo Co 3rd Plt will never forget. LCpl Boelk was respected by his peers, and as one of my Marines I will always remember his work ethic. No matter how hard the task he would put on this half grin and charge full speed ahead to accomplish it. To the family of LCpl James D. Boelk God Bless, and know that his brothers here in 3rd Platoon have you all in their prayers - Respectfully SSgt Matthew B Cartier

James was our friend and roommate for a few months before he went off to bootcamp. We feel so blessed to have had the time that we shared with him. So many laughs, so many good times, we love you James <3

Miguel and Melody

I met James in Oceanside, Ca. We were roommates for a short period of time but his presence and just being able to have the opportunity of getting to know him, left a mark on my heart. From my first impression of him, I could tell that he had a loving heart. He was so kind and friendly and he proudly wore it on his sleeve.
To the Boelk family: You did a great job in raising and wonderful person. He will be missed.

My family and I were friends of the Boelk's. We met while we were stationed in the D.C area. You are a very good family and we are very sorry for your loss. I know that the LORD will be with you through this. If there is ever anything we can do, please accept our extended hand.

James was my counsin, but it felt more like he was my goofy little brother. I was so looking forward to growing old and hearing all his stories each time we got together. I miss him more than words can express.

Only God can know the hurt that goes so deep that it cuts your heart and only God can heal your heart. Dave, may God give you and your family the grace to go on living for His (God) honor and glory.
The service at FBT was God honoring and Pastor Boelk (Grand Dad) did an outstanding presentation of the Gospel. Our love goes out to you and your family.
Thank you for caring for Danielle as if she was a member of your family these past two years.
We love you guys and are praying for family and will continue to pray for you all.

In the Service of the King,

John, Kathy, & Danielle Leber

James was my dear friend. He was a groomsman in my wedding and a great friend through college. I am proud to call him my friend. James’ passing is still very surreal to me. He will be sorely missed. To his family, the prayers of my family are with you. Thank you James, for giving your life for mine. This event in my life is a very real reminder that freedom is not free.

Justin Holeman

To The Boelk Family: I would like to offer my condolence for the lost of your love one. Death is not easy to take. Almighty God says in Revelation 21:3,4 that there will be no more sickness nor dying. These blessing are soon to come. May the God of comfort be with you.

My little sister and I volunteer with Tell Them Thanks to send letters to deployed service members and last week, before we knew of his passing, she wrote a letter to LCpl Boelk. I was very saddened today to find out of his passing and hope that the family finds peace in the stories left here by his friends and those who served with him.

Rest in Peace LCpl Boelk.
The Zavala-Davis and Collins Families
Arkansas

Dear Boelk family,

Myself and Zack are so sad to see one of Zacks "brothers" killed in combat. But he will forever be a hero to us as we know he is to yall. Thank you for all your kindness and strength and ALWAYS know that we are here for yall; until its our end and we will meet James again. God bless you all <3 We love you!

Love, Ashley White

On 8/21/11, I walked 5K to remember my husband John and James in the Big Wildlife Run in Anchorage, Ak. My family has known James and his family since we were stationed in Iceland. I remember him as loving to laugh and goof off. Before we left Iceland, I promised him that I would always have a cold Pepsi waiting for him. He will be missed on Earth, however I look forward to seeing him in Heaven.

My sincere sorrow for your loss. I recently received a memorial braclet as a gift. It's a braclet in memory of James. Since our Commandant allows Marines to wear them in uniform now I picked James; I never met him but you see I am a retired Marine so we know each other. Different wars same mentality. God bless you all.
Bob Harper, Major, USMC, Retired.

THANK YOU!!!!!!! For your sacrifice, words do little to describe our sincere gratitude. However, There is a hope for a future where such wonderful people will not have to die in the wars of the world. ISAIAH 2:4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore....REV 21:3,4-"death will be no more"