Kim Bobo
Kim Bobo, 65, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully July 28 at her Holmes Beach home.
She was born June 20, 1958, in Rossville, Georgia, to the late Betty and Bill Riddle.
She graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree from the University of South Florida.
She spent most of her life on Anna Maria Island, having moved to Manatee County in 1983 and to the island in 1988.
Other than family, Mrs. Bobo’s greatest accomplishment was helping generations of island kids with their speech skills as the speech pathologist for Anna Maria Elementary School for the past 34 years.
Until the end, she was looking forward to working with her daughter-in-law, Erin Bobo, an incoming kindergarten teacher for 2023 at AME.
A celebration of life will be announced. Donations may be made to the AME Parent Teacher Organization at amepto@gmail.com, online at amepto.org or by calling the school at 941-708-5525.
She was predeceased by her son, Erik, who died in April 2023.
Mrs. Bobo is survived by husband Allen, son Matt and wife Erin, and grandchildren Austin, Logan, Savannah and Ryan.
James F. Hamilton
James F. Hamilton, 92, of Bradenton, formerly of Holmes Beach, died July 31.
He was born March 8, 1931, in Elwood, Indiana, to the late James C. and Mary E. (Brown) Hamilton.
He was a fourth-generation native of the Elwood area and a 1949 graduate of Elwood High School. He graduated from Purdue University in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He joined the U.S. Army in May 1954 and primarily served in Italy.
On returning from the Army, Jim started a career with General Motors in Anderson, Indiana, where he worked 30 years as a senior process engineer, retiring in July 1985.
Mr. Hamilton obtained a master’s of science degree from Ball State University and was a registered professional engineer in Indiana.
He married Elizabeth “Bette” Paterson in December 1957.
In the 1960s and 1970s, he was involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and the Exchange Club in Anderson. He also served the Indianapolis Yacht Club of Geist Lake.
On retirement, the couple built a house in Holmes Beach overlooking Anna Maria Sound.
He was active in the Key Royale Club and enjoyed investing and trading in the stock market.
He also was an avid world traveler, including many trips to Europe and Russia. He loved walking and hiking.
He was appreciated and respected by all of his children and grandchildren for being a loving and generous person.
Mr. Hamilton developed a fond relationship after his wife died with Nancy Colcord of Bradenton. They enjoyed many international vacations.
A celebration of life in Holmes Beach is being planned for October. Interment will be at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral.com.
He is survived by son, James A. and wife Kim of Bradenton; grandchildren, James “Bradley” of Jacksonville Beach, Brice C. of Maui, Hawaii; step-grandchildren Brandee Rimer of Wichita, Kansas, and Brent and wife Erica Rimer and their children, Karlee, Wesley and Huxley of Parrish; son Jeffrey W. of Bradenton; grandchildren Everett C. and wife Alexis of San Diego and Olivia of Tampa; daughter Elizabeth and husband Dr. Lawrence Born of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Nicholas Born of Chicago, Jameson Born of New York City, John Born of Indianapolis, and Elizabeth Born of Indianapolis.
Francine N. Slack
Francine N. Slack, 86, formerly of Anna Maria Island, died July 19 at her home in Bradenton.
She was born July 28, 1937, in Paris, France, and moved to the United States as a very young child. She lived in New York City and Newport News, Virginia, returning to New York and graduating from City College of New York.
She was a teacher at Bronx School of Science and later had a long career in art supply sales. She retired and moved to Anna Maria Island in 1997.
Mrs. Slack was an enthusiastic member of the Democratic Women’s Club, Island and West Manatee Democratic Club, and the League of Women voters. She also volunteered at Turning Point, Mote Marine Laboratory and Hope Family Services.
She had a lifelong love of animals and supported the Humane Society while providing a home to many cats and dogs over the years.
She loved books, birding, movies, kayaking, traveling, art museums, theater and being a kind and loving mother and friend to many.
No services are planned but donations in her name may be made to the Humane Society of Manatee County and Hope Family Services.
Mrs. Slack is survived by her daughter, Babiche M. Slack, of St. Petersburg.