Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Jim took a lot of great photos from the Port of Toledo. Probably over the years I got 100 photos from Jim.

As I mentioned earlier in my post, I wish I would’ve known him better and more than I did. I saw him briefly at a couple of the Marine Mart events in St. Clair and I never took the time to look at his collection and exchange names addresses and that type of stuff. I do have though two photos both 8 X 10 size prints of both the John J. Boland now Saginaw of course and the George A. Stinson now American Spirit. These two prints although not from him personally I think were sent to me years ago possibly from American Steamship Company since each ship was at the time part of the ASC fleet. Rest In Peace Jim as you will be missed by family and many friends here. Calm Seas and Fair Winds to you and 3 Long and 2 Short as well. Thanks for your photos, stories and many contributions you’ve made as well.

Yeah, that sucks. He was a cool dude. Back in the dark times before the internet, he used to trade print photos with me through the mail. He got a LOT of different boats over the years & was way ahead of me in this hobby.

fair winds and following seas.

I was never able to get to know Jim Hoffman very well. I was first able to get in touch with him this spring, and he was very kind in allowing me to include his photos to accompany some of my work. He will be dearly missed in the Boatnerd community and by his family. Prayers for his family.

3L2S salute for Jim

Jim always seemed to make it a point to seek out Toledo area Boatnerds and meet them. I met him many years ago as we both were chasing the same freighter down the Maumee River. Rest in peace Jim. Prayers for God's grace, peace and comfort for his family.

We regret hearing of Jim's passing. Deepest sympathy to Jim's family and the members of Marine Historical Society Of Detroit. Respectively yours, Andy and Linda.

I second all of your comments. Never met him either personally and also formally but I’m sure we talked at a couple of the Marine Marys. I too have a few of his photos one of the original John J. Boland. He was a great and dedicated boatnerd and photographer and was well known and he will be dearly missed by family and friends. Although he’s no longer with us, now he’s in boatnerd heaven with many other departed boatnerds now. To his family and friends my prayers and thoughts are with you and for you. May he rest in piece. God Bless you Jim and also thanks for the photos and memories. 3 Long and 2 Short to you.

Never met Jim, but my old friend Wendell Wilke put me in touch with Jim and we traded photos for years. My deepest sympathies to his family.

The boatnerd community lost another of its family with the passing of noted Great Lakes Photographer and Historian Jim Hoffman.
I first met Jim in the early 70's on one of my weekend trips to Port Huron with my father. After I started sailing the boats in '74 whenever we were in Toledo, Jim made a pint of coming down to whichever dock we were at and visiting.
His great sense of humor and vast knowledge of the Great Lakes Shipping industry will be missed.
Many of his splendid photo's mainly taken in the Toledo area are a treasured part of my collection.
Three Long and 2 Short for a special man as he passes over the bar!