James “Jay” Jackson Bohland, age 56, of Virginia Beach, VA passed away suddenly at his home on January 11, 2026 after a recent cancer diagnosis with his wife, mother, and father at his side.  He was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend who worked in the restaurant and wine industry for several decades before his final career as an insurance agent.

James was born in Norman, Oklahoma to Dr. James R. and Sally Bohland on September 13, 1969.  In the early 1980s, the Bohland family moved to Blacksburg, Virginia where James met many of his lifelong friends, played soccer, and graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1987.   James went on to attend James Madison University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and met his future wife.

James developed a love for fine food on his many travels with his family and found that he had a natural affinity for cooking, becoming a highly skilled professional chef.  He thew himself into the world of fine dining cooking at the Inn at Glenn Echo in Glenn Echo, Maryland in 1991 and continued his love of cooking professionally in Virginia Beach.   After leaving the restaurant industry to work for wine and beer distribution companies, he continued to cook fine, multi-course meals for his friends and family at his and others’ homes to celebrate special occasions and because he loved to share his gift and bring everyone together to celebrate life.

James was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, a lifelong Virginia Tech Hokies fan, an avid music lover and soccer fan, and a friend for life to those he loved and admired.   When he was faced with a health diagnosis that required a below knee amputation, he endured the experience with strength and perseverance, becoming a member of an amputee support group and assisting those who were also faced with going through a similar experience.   After his surgery, James made a remarkable recovery and began walking monthly 5Ks for various charities.  

James was a kind and generous soul with a huge heart.  We will miss his lively conversation and hospitality, sense of humor, his incredible breadth of knowledge and memory, and his passion and enthusiasm for life.

James was preceded in death by his niece, Isabella Bohland.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years Sharon Shoff, his mother Sally Bohland, his father Dr. James R. Bohland, his brother and sister-in-law Dr. Jon Bohland and Dr. Leann Pace, his  niece and nephew Clementine and Solomon Pace, his father and mother-in law Edward Lee and Roberta Shoff, his brother and sister-in law Brian and Linda Proctor Shoff, and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in James’ name to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or the Limbs for Life Foundation at www.limbsforlife.org

 A memorial celebration of life will be held at a future date to be announced.