In Memory Of
James Richard Boatright, Jr.
1955
2021
James Richard Boatright, Jr.
March 19, 1955 — July 22, 2021
James Richard "Rick" Boatright Jr., 66 of Topeka, KS passed on July 22, 2021 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Rick was born March 19, 1955 in Topeka, KS to James "Jim" Boatright Sr. and Peggy Margene Boatright.
Rick attended Topeka West High School where Rick excelled in debate and forensics. He later attended both KU and K-State where he attained a bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics. During college he met and fell in love with Sharron Donahue. They were wed in 1978 in the family's home in Topeka.
Rick started his career as a chemistry teacher at Topeka High School and then moved on to launch a computer hardware and software company with business partners in 1983. Rick worked as a software developer for TBC Software & Vocshop Solutions Group, originally Topeka Business Computers, where he spent his entire career serving customers in a business vertical he helped create.
Rick's naturally curious nature, and interest in science and technology, fueled a lifelong passion for science fiction and fantasy. In his mid 40's, Rick found tremendous satisfaction working with acclaimed New York Times best selling alt-history science fiction author Eric Flint, and went on to be a contributing author in many works within Flint's "Ring of Fire" universe.
Rick's first full length book, "1636: The Chronicles of Dr. Gribbleflotz", co-written with Kerryn Offord, was published in 2016 by Baen Books. One of Rick's greatest joys in life was presenting "Weird Tech" lectures at science fiction conventions for the fans of the 1632 series. Rick took great pride in being "head geek" for Eric Flint's 1632 universe, and Jim Baen's Universe magazine. Working with the authors and publishers at Baen Books was the realization of a life-long dream for Rick and he never took those opportunities for granted.
As a member of the Bahá'í Faith, Rick was devoted to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Rick is survived by his wife Sherry of Topeka; his daughter Amanda and husband Ashish of Elmhurst, IL; his son Zacory and wife Mary of Phoenix, AZ; His three grandchildren Amaya, Emil, and Benjamin; and his two brothers Bill, and Bob Boatright and his wife Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Peggy, and his sister-in-laws Anita, Alice, Patrice, and brother-in-law John Polk.
A memorial service will be held in the future at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Science Fiction Writers of America fund or the American Cancer Society.
To leave a message for Rick's family visit the guestbook below.
Rick attended Topeka West High School where Rick excelled in debate and forensics. He later attended both KU and K-State where he attained a bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics. During college he met and fell in love with Sharron Donahue. They were wed in 1978 in the family's home in Topeka.
Rick started his career as a chemistry teacher at Topeka High School and then moved on to launch a computer hardware and software company with business partners in 1983. Rick worked as a software developer for TBC Software & Vocshop Solutions Group, originally Topeka Business Computers, where he spent his entire career serving customers in a business vertical he helped create.
Rick's naturally curious nature, and interest in science and technology, fueled a lifelong passion for science fiction and fantasy. In his mid 40's, Rick found tremendous satisfaction working with acclaimed New York Times best selling alt-history science fiction author Eric Flint, and went on to be a contributing author in many works within Flint's "Ring of Fire" universe.
Rick's first full length book, "1636: The Chronicles of Dr. Gribbleflotz", co-written with Kerryn Offord, was published in 2016 by Baen Books. One of Rick's greatest joys in life was presenting "Weird Tech" lectures at science fiction conventions for the fans of the 1632 series. Rick took great pride in being "head geek" for Eric Flint's 1632 universe, and Jim Baen's Universe magazine. Working with the authors and publishers at Baen Books was the realization of a life-long dream for Rick and he never took those opportunities for granted.
As a member of the Bahá'í Faith, Rick was devoted to the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Rick is survived by his wife Sherry of Topeka; his daughter Amanda and husband Ashish of Elmhurst, IL; his son Zacory and wife Mary of Phoenix, AZ; His three grandchildren Amaya, Emil, and Benjamin; and his two brothers Bill, and Bob Boatright and his wife Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Peggy, and his sister-in-laws Anita, Alice, Patrice, and brother-in-law John Polk.
A memorial service will be held in the future at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Science Fiction Writers of America fund or the American Cancer Society.
To leave a message for Rick's family visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Richard Boatright, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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