James "Jim" Richard Boylan

Jim passed peacefully on September 22, 2016, at the age of 75. He was a long-time resident of Montclair, New Jersey and, later, of Spring Branch, Texas. His family and friends are grateful for his generous, caring and courageous spirit and his quick wit, which will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan to Ruth Fenton and Harold Boylan. After a four-year stint in the Navy, Jim attended Wayne State University, graduating with a PhD in Anthropology in 1973.

He served as State Archaeologist of Iowa, and later found his life's work at Montclair State University, where he taught for 29 years, specializing in Native American Studies, and retired as professor emeritus in 2002. At MSU, he served on numerous University and departmental committees, and created several archaeology courses and the Archaeological Field School. He was instrumental in designing the Anthropology Laboratory, a facility where faculty and students could conduct research, including Visual Anthropology and Experimental Archaeology. Throughout his career, he conducted archaeological surveys to preserve New Jersey's prehistoric and historic record.

Throughout his life, Jim was an avid photographer, traveler and outdoorsman. Starting with a Brownie camera as a child, he later collected a variety of cameras and enjoyed developing his own black-and-white prints. He enjoyed taking pictures of his travels in the US and in Europe, especially Switzerland and Italy. He enjoyed hiking and sailing, and twice sailed singlehanded from Connecticut to Maine.

In 2010, Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and he courageously battled it until his death. Throughout the ordeal he continuously showed his love and care for his wife Vivian Miller, son Sean, daughter-in-law Jen, and grandchildren Ethne Micol Ferrell and Samuel James Boylan.

The family is grateful for the kindness, love and support of stepfather Gordon Meske; in-laws Debbie and Bill Bates and Jeff and Sharon Thompson; friends Sharon and Dennis Deeny and Joe and Norma Jean Macauto; Mary Fox of Home Instead; counselor John Strange PhD; pets Tasha and Tessa; and the staffs of Sodalis Memory Care and Heart-to-Heart Hospice.

We remember those who are no longer with us, but know their loving presence and spirit are with us always: parents Ruth Fenton Meske and Harold Boylan; daughter Jennifer Susan Boylan; parents-in-law Vivian Lurlean and Wilson Larkin Miller; and pets Tanya, Tanga, Muffin and Mac.

Memorial Service

Monday, November 7, 2016

10:30 a.m.

Chapel Dulcinea

16221 Crystal Hill Drive

Austin, Texas 78737