Jim Bogard

James J. Bogard, age 56, died unexpectedly on July 17, 2024. He was known affectionately as “Buddy” by his family and childhood friends.

Jim was born in Washington, D.C., on July 9, 1968, and he grew up in Daisy, Maryland. He graduated from Good Counsel High School and the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Jim is survived by his mother, Linda Bogard; his wife, Alyssa Cotler; two precious children, Kayleigh (17) and Hope (13); and their beloved rescue dog, Pepper (4). For the last 10 years, they all lived in the same neighborhood in Highland, Maryland.

Jim had lots of hobbies, from watching the stock market to gun collecting to tinkering in his basement workshop. Jim took after his father and loved music and could play any tune by ear. He enjoyed many lazy afternoons tubing down the Cacapon River followed by a nighttime jam session with longtime friends around the campfire. At home, he enjoyed his pool especially when friends would join for a swim and a hang.

Jim could build and fix anything. He was creative and, if necessary, could figure out hacks to get things done.

He loved to travel with his family and friends. He had visited four continents and his passport was full of stamps. His dream was to retire early and travel the world.

Christmas was always a favorite time of year, especially decorating the tree with homemade ornaments like the “tree rats.”

Jim was a devoted father. He loved his kids fiercely and was so proud to see the same talents and passion for music reflected in them. Report cards were always an excuse to go out for dinner and celebrate, which happened often.

He followed both his parents’ footsteps, spending much of his career at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) in Laurel, Maryland. He enjoyed his work and his colleagues, and he took great pride in his technical prowess and the role he played in protecting vital systems from harmful intrusion.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite local animal rescue. If you don't have a favorite, please consider Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland, who brought us Pepper. Also, play Van Halen at top volume in his memory.

A celebration of life is planned for this fall.