James Andrew Bogardus entered eternal life Aug. 28, 2022. Born in Long Branch and a longtime resident of Fair Haven, Jim will be mourned and missed by family, countless friends and the community he loved.
Known affectionately on the New York Stock Exchange, trading desks and around Monmouth County as Bogie, Jim had a presence that was larger than life. He had a successful 25-year career on Wall Street as an institutional equity trader to some of the largest national and global asset managers. Jim’s quiet and calm professionalism earned him respect from colleagues and clients alike.
An exceptional lifelong athlete, Jim played football for Rumson-Fair Haven High School, then continued his athletic career at Hofstra University, graduating with a B.S. in finance from East Carolina University. A tireless sports enthusiast, Jim was an avid New York Giants fan – he took a keen interest in football, sports education and thoroughbred racing, becoming an owner of winning racehorses.
Jim loved his community. He and many of his friends were dedicated to Keith D. McHeffey’s Foundation, in support of his lifelong friend lost 9/11/01. For many years, Jim gave time and talent to groups such as Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen, RFH Crew, RFH Performing Arts Society, Boys Scouts of America and Relay for Life. He coached Pop Warner Football and Fair Haven Rec Baseball. His work as a medical volunteer sparked an interest in transitioning his career later in life.
Twenty-four years ago he fell in love and married Dr. Victoria DiBernardo-Bogardus, with whom he welcomed two extraordinary children – Shannon and Michael – who became the light of his life. Together with his family, Jim took every opportunity to share his love of life, music, travel and the arts.
Above all else, Jim was a person whose generosity touched the hearts of an unprecedented amount of people. His empathy was boundless and he always made everyone he met feel at home. Anyone who knew Bogie, regardless of time spent together, could recall his sense of humor and heart of gold. He was simultaneously a cheerleader, a coach, a best friend, a brother, a father and a loving husband. He will always be remembered in countless stories, for his community impact and a passion for classic rock.
Jim was predeceased by his mother Barbara Sneed; father John Bogardus; and brother Jeffrey Bogardus. He leaves his beautiful wife Vicky; children, Shannon and Michael; beloved mother-in-law Addy DiBernardo; a large, extended family of 14 sisters- and brothers-in-law; 26 nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles and cousins; numerous friends; and a community who loved him dearly.
A memorial gathering and celebration of life with Jim’s family and friends was held Sept. 1 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 2 at The Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the September 9 – 14, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
