Aug 9, 1952 - Sep 11, 2025

James Edward "Buzz" Boulé died 9-11-2025 in Olympia, Washington, of complications from diabetes. He also had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Buzz was born in Portland, Oregon August 9, 1952, the son of H.C. James Boulé and Mary Null Boulé. The family moved 17 times around America, as Jim worked his way up the corporate ladder. Everyone was very happy when the family landed — and stayed — in Claremont in 1961.

Born into a musical family, Buzz had a strong soprano voice as a child, and took up the guitar as a teenager. He was athletic, playing baseball and tennis in Claremont and becoming a golfer as an adult. He also was a talented pool player. He became interested in woodworking; his original pieces were once shown in a California art gallery.

Buzz had his struggles in life, and after leaving school at 16 he joined the workforce at Alpha Beta grocery stores. In five years he had risen to become the youngest-ever store manager in the chain, opening a large store in Arizona. Of all his accomplishments in life, Buzz was most proud of his 40+ years of sobriety. Until his death he was a faithful member of AA and relinquished his anonymity to tour several states speaking on behalf of recovery. He was an outstanding public speaker.

Eventually his problems caused Buzz to distance himself from his siblings for nearly two decades. Very shortly before his death he renewed contact.

Buzz Boulé is survived by his siblings Peter Boulé (Jan Boulé) of Vancouver, Washington, Martha Boulé Arneson (Dale Arneson) of Goodyear, Arizona, Mary Margaret (Margie) Boulé (Dave Beck) of Portland, Oregon, and Charlie Boulé of Vashon Island, Washington. No services will be held.