James Robert Bozman

Bob’s earthly journey was extraordinary and eventful. He was a pioneer in the telecommunications revolution; an oil and gas entrepreneur; a meaningful contributor to the education of “at risk” young men and women; an assistant to a U. S. Senator and a Dallas Congressman; a partner in the family business of real estate ventures. He was a master at continuing to reinvent himself during a lifetime of challenge and adversity.

Bob graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas. He played football on the state semi-final bison team. He made his name, however, on the track. He was a champion hurdler and ran on the record-breaking 440 yard relay team that erased a long-standing DISD record. Bob was offered an athletic scholarship to Abilene Christian College. At that time, ACC was recognized as one of the top track and field programs in the country. Following a change in his educational objectives, he transferred to Southern Methodist University. He was a hurdles champion and ran on the Mustang’s mile relay team that set a new school record, one of the fastest times in the nation that year. While at SMU, Bob was Vice President of the Student Body and a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Following graduation, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Thomason. She was truly the love of his life. He would openly share that marrying Sandra was the best decision he ever made.

Bob served on the staff of U. S. (Texas) Senator William A. Blakley. He was the Assistant Manager of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce and, for four years, the Executive Assistant to Dallas Congressman Joe Pool.

In 1971, Bob and partner Bill Grubbs founded Communications Corporation of America (CCA). CCA was a true pioneer, competing with AT&T following the break-up of their monopoly and was the first company in the U.S. to sell telecommunication systems to businesses. Bob and Bill guided the new company through several public offerings as they expanded their operation to 25 branch offices from coast to coast with almost 500 employees and installations in several foreign countries. They also were the first private telecommunications company to become a publicly held company. When they sold the company in 1989, Bob entered the oil and gas business where he built a successful career over the next 17 years.

At the highlight of his career, Bob was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1995. During this period of severe challenge, Bob vowed if he survived he would “give back” in his next career move. Once cancer free, he joined the executive staff at Texans Can Academy as the Vice President of Development. Over the next five years, he raised funds and directed the opening of new academies in six cities throughout Texas. Bob would share afterward, “I was given a second chance at life and I want to give deserving young men and women a second chance at their education as well".

The cancer was devastating to a man who was widely recognized for his vocal gifts. For more than ten years, he announced the Texas Relays in Austin and emceed countless community and charitable events. The cancer limited his speech volume and clarity, but he never stopped trying. He would often tell us, “I have cancer, but cancer does not have me.”

A keen and contagious sense of humor was his trademark. He used it during times of victories and celebration, but more importantly, as a weapon to endure life’s adversities. He would say to us during the height of his physical pain, “I have nothing against dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

Fulfilling a lifetime dream, in 2007, Bob and his two sons, Lance and Blake, formed Prattco International, L.P. The company is currently active in multi-family and commercial real estate investments.

Bob loved his alma mater, SMU. After serving on the Alumni Board of Directors for 5 years, he was elected to serve as President of the SMU Alumni Association in 1983. He also served on the board of the Mustang Club and the Lettermen’s Association. Over the years, Bob counseled and mentored numerous young men and women who planned to attend undergraduate or SMU law school. Bob carried such a passion in wanting to share “the SMU experience” with future Mustangs.

His faith was by far the guiding compass of his life.

A devoted follower of his Lord’s church, Bob served as a Deacon, Elder and Chairman of the Board of the Oak Cliff Christian Church. Bob and Sandra taught the junior high boys and girls for many years. While at OCC, Bob founded the Oak Cliff Christian Scholarship Fund. Over the years, more than 100 young men and women were awarded college scholarships to continue their educational careers. In later years, Bob and Sandra joined the First Baptist Church of Dallas and were members of the McLaughlin Sunday school class. Bob also served as one of Dr. Robert Jeffress’ Pastor’s Prayer Partners.

Bob’s service to his community and business affiliations was extensive.

He was a charter member of the North American Telecommunications Association (NATA), and a board member of the Texas Interconnect Association (TIA). He served on the board of the Forestwood Bank and as a co-chair of the American Heart Annual Campaign for several years. Bob was also an active member of the “Men of The Dallas Symphony,” and a 37-year board member of the Dallas Summer Musicals. He additionally served as a board member of the North Texas Disciples of Christ Association, the Irving Young Life Board and the United Way of Dallas. He was a long time member of SMU’s Town and Gown Club.

One of Bob’s hobbies was following Texas high school athletics. He knew high school coaches, players and athletic directors all over the state. He and his sons were a familiar scene for years on many sidelines of high school football games and for sure at all playoff games. He dearly loved knowing and following many of Texas’ outstanding athletes during their high school, college and professional careers.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, Josephus Robert Bozman and Edith Hughes Bozman.

After his faith, nothing was more important to Bob than his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra Thomason Bozman and three children, son, R. Lance Bozman and is wife Eszter, daughter, Hollye Bozman Marshall and her husband, Brent and son Blakley P. Bozman and his wife Tara. He adored his 8 surviving grandchildren, Tyler, Bryson and Macye Marshall, Ryan, Landrie and Cannon Bozman and Benjamin and Sophie Bozman.

The family would like to thank the numerous doctors and nurses who continued to help Bob overcome his twenty-three years of health’s challenges, as well as the many treasured friends who shared Bob’s journey throughout his life.

A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM in the original sanctuary at First Baptist Church Dallas located at 1707 San Jacinto St. A short reception will be held immediately following the service. A private interment will follow after the memorial service.

The family would like to request that donations be made in Bob’s honor to Pathway to Victory at First Baptist Church Dallas. P. O. Box 223609 Dallas, TX 75222-3609 www.ptv.org 214-969-2400.