Received from Kent Tiburski 20 October 2007:
AWC (NAC) (USN) ret. Kent Tiburski
Message:
Greeting Gents,
I just got very sad news from my mom today that Colonel Jim Bolton, USMC passed yesterday in his sleep in Ohio. The Colonel was a member of our Church in Vista, CA. I went to school with his Daughter at Vista High School (class of 1975). As I recall Jim was selected in (1977?) as Marine Corps Flyer of the Year. I'm not sure what squadon Jim Commanded, but I remember he said that he was CO of one of the last helo squadrons that left Viet Nam. I knew the Colonel as one of the best guys and friends ever. Sorry to pass the bad news but I though you Marines would like to know this. Semper Fi from this Chief. God bless you and Jim.
Kent Lloyd Tiburski, AWC(NAC) (USN) Ret.
NAC is Naval Aircrewman, yes I wore Wings of Gold
Received today 25 October 2007:
Brook,
I received this from my mother IRT Jim Bolton:
Jim's service is Sunday, November 4th at 2:00 pm at:
Grace Presbyterian Church
1450 E. Vista Way
Vista, CA 92084760-724-0077
R/ Kent Tiburski, AWC, USN (Ret)
Hmh-462
Jim was the CO HMH-462 we were aboard the LPH Okinawa Apr 1975 for Operation "Frequent Winds". Excellent Marine & will certainly be missed by many of us. I had a letter from him few years back he was talking about boats that he was interested in. God speed Good Marine. Semper Fedelis PM
Funeral for LtCol. Bolton CO HMH-462 1974/75
I attended LtCol. Bolton's funeral today. Around 200 people attended. A nice memorial service with full miltary honors. He was a tough and demanding CO, but he was also very fair. He will be missed by fellow Screw Crew members.
I was looking forward to seeing him this Friday November 9 when HMH-462 celebrates the Marine Corps birthday and the 50th anniversary of HMH-462.
SEMPER FI
I remember flying as a crew chief for Jim when he was a Major in HMM-161. He was calm & steady even when things weren't breaking his way. Blessings to his family.
Semper Fi
C. L. (Lou) Maupin
HMM 161 '68 - '69