James Henry Bogdan, 71, of Otto Township, Pa., died Saturday (Oct. 14, 2023) at Olean General Hospital with his family by his side, after a battle with multiple myeloma.

Born to Henry and Dorothy Bogdan on Jan. 6, 1952, in Buffalo, Jim was a 1970 graduate of Canisius High School. He studied geology at SUNY Fredonia and moved to Pennsylvania to work in the oil fields. There, he worked for Piper Well Surveys Inc., Gearhart Wireline Inc., Kmart, Belden & Blake, and Catalyst Energy. Post-retirement, he worked for Metz at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Jim served many years as a Boy Scout leader and as a founding member of the fireworks crew for the Otto Township Old Home Days. He was known for his musical comedy act at the Otto-Eldred High School’s variety show, where he, his children and friends performed under the name Jim Bogdan and the Right Field Players. Every spring, he would start plants from seeds to pass around to loved ones so they could enjoy fresh veggies. Jim also showed love with Sunday morning waffles and holiday Manhattans.

So, pull out your record player, put on your Iron Butterfly album and listen to In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida in remembrance of James Henry Bogdan.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathleen; one son, Ken (Shauna) Bogdan; four daughters, Rebecca Bogdan, Ruth Bogdan, Rachel Bogdan, and Rose (Andy McDonald) Bogdan; two grandsons, Brett Kreamer and Keifer Bogdan; one granddaughter, Lydia McDonald; two brothers; five sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a baby brother.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean, with Deacon Matt Wenke leading a wake service at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday (Oct. 20, 2023) at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.