Obituaries

James W. “Jim” Boothe passed away October 11th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence, leadership, scholarship, and service that touched generations of family, friends, teammates, and the Xavier University community.

A 1957 graduate of Xavier University, Jim distinguished himself as one of the finest basketball players in school history. A three-year letterwinner, he earned a place in Xavier’s prestigious 1,000-Point Club, finishing his collegiate career with 1,085 points. Known by teammates and coaches as “the coach on the court,” Jim’s intelligence, poise, and leadership helped guide the Musketeers to back-to-back appearances in the National Invitation Tournament during the mid-1950s.

As a junior, Jim averaged 16.5 points per game, earned Team Most Valuable Player honors, was named to the All-NIT Team, and was selected MVP of the Queen City Invitational Tournament. His 462 points that season established a Xavier junior scoring record at the time. During his senior season, he continued to provide steady leadership as the Musketeers advanced once again to the second round of the NIT.

Jim’s accomplishments were recognized with his induction into the Xavier University Athletic Hall of Fame in its inaugural 1981 class, a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on the university’s basketball tradition. His contributions as both a player and leader remain an enduring part of Xavier athletics history.

Off the court, Jim was equally committed to academic excellence. An honor student, he earned his master’s degree in education from Xavier University in 1961. Jim, then earned his doctorate from Western Michigan University. Prior to that, Jim graduated from Dayton High School in Kentucky in 1953, carrying with him the values of hard work, humility, and lifelong learning that would guide him throughout his life.

Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marilyn (nee Braun) Boothe. Jim and Marilyn were high school sweethearts, graduating together from Dayton High School in 1953. What began as a young love grew into an extraordinary life together—nearly seven decades of marriage, a family they deeply cherished, and a lifetime of memories made side by side. Through all of life’s seasons, Marilyn was Jim’s devoted partner, and the life they built together was among his greatest blessings.

He also leaves behind his daughter, Lisa Fey, and her husband, Barry Fey; his son, Kevin Boothe, and his wife, Alice Boothe; and his son, Christopher Boothe, and his husband, Justin Lucas.

Jim was a proud and loving grandfather to Brendon Fey and his wife, Erika; Andrea Bloom and her husband, Kevin; Zach Boothe; Ryan Boothe and his wife, Jenny; and Kory Boothe. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, who brought another generation of joy, love, and pride to his life.

Those who knew Jim remember not only his athletic and academic achievements but also his quiet leadership, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed. He inspired teammates, students, friends, and family through his example, demonstrating that true success is measured by character as much as accomplishment.

Jim’s life was one of purpose, integrity, leadership, and service. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he influenced, in the proud tradition of Xavier University basketball, in the loving family he cherished, and in the students whose futures will be shaped by education.

Visitation will take place Thursday, October 15th, 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home, 10211 Plainfield Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45241. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am, Friday, October 16th, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11144 Spinner Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241. Following Mass, friends and family are invited to Mad Tree Parks & Rec. located at Summit Park; 4321 Glendale Milford Rd., from 11am until 2pm.

Burial will take place privately. Memorial Contributions may be made to the James Boothe Endowed Scholarship.; (under the designation drop down box and under the "endowments and scholarships" category, look for “Jim Boothe”).