Mr. James Herbert Boswell

Jim was born November 18, 1938 in Wadesboro, North Carolina and grew up in its sister-city, Polkton; the son of Ethel Austin Boswell Tadlock of Polkton and Walter James Boswell of Wadesboro, North Carolina. In 1961 he married the love of his life, Myra Wallen, with whom he shared a life of love, laughter and happiness for nearly a half-century.

Mr. Boswell graduated as valedictorian of his high school class in Polkton and went on to study Political Science in the nation’s capitol at George Washington University. A life-long love of politics was first instilled in him by his grandfather, R.G. Austin – owner of a general store and the mayor of Polkton.

Mr. Boswell began his career with the Campbell Soup Company serving in various positions for 20 years, culminating that service in Claremont, California. In 1976, the Boswells moved to Plano where he became a partner in the food brokerage firm of Jones-Nietzel Company. Subsequent to that, he became vice-president of sales for Star Mark Foods working with his good friend, James Muns. He then joined HCA Hospital of Plano as Director of Physician Services.

At the time of his death, Jim Boswell was Administrative Director of Physician Services at Texas Health-Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. Dr. Jeffrey Canose, president of the hospital, described Jim as “…a huge catalyst of the success and significance that the hospital has achieved and it is all because of the love Jim has in his heart for our patients and their families, our physicians, our employees, and the thousands of people he knows throughout Collin County. Jim was an individual whom community, legislative and civic leaders regularly turned to for advice and counsel, as did we at Texas Health-Plano.” Jim constantly spoke of how he “loved his docs!”

As the consummate hosts, the Boswells often entertained friends in their home, and for 30 years hosted approximately 300 people for appetizers and eggnog made from Jim’s grandfather’s recipe (which he served at his general store) on Christmas Eve.

In addition to founding the much-heralded Plano Lawnmower Brigade (where Plano residents pushed lawnmowers in elaborate formation during the annual Fourth of July parade), Mr. Boswell serviced the community in many ways: member of the Plano City Council; chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission; member of the boards of the Plano Library Foundation; Information and Referral; United Way of Plano; Plano ISD Futures; Plano Chamber of Commerce; Volunteer Center; Citizens Charter Review Commission and as President of the American Heart Association.

In 1992, Jim Boswell was named as Plano’s Citizen of the Year. Recently he was inducted into the Star Children’s Charity “Star Hall of Fame” and was the inaugural recipient of the “Jim Boswell Award,” presented at the organization’s annual winter ball. This award will be bestowed in upcoming years to individuals who exemplify the leadership and community philanthropic spirit that Jim has demonstrated. In addition he was selected as the John McVeigh Award recipient by the Collin County Republican Party (its highest honor). He was an active member of West Plano Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder.

Blessed with a hearty laugh, up-beat disposition and love of people, Jim turned strangers into friends on a daily basis. Knowing of his goal of seeing all of the Presidential Libraries, a few of those friends saw to it in the past year that he realized that goal.

In addition to his wife, Myra, Jim is survived by his daughter, Leslie Austin Boswell; Myra’s sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Richard Gerwig; niece and nephew, Avery and Brandon Gerwig; close friend and college roommate, Dr. Sandy Plevin; hundreds of friends; and two of “man’s best friends,” Lump and Buddie.

To be sure, in the words of the poet, Jim Boswell lived well, laughed often and loved much. The community is better because of his service and will be less in his absence.

Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at Grace Presbyterian Church at 4 o’clock pm. The church is located at 4300 West Park Boulevard, Plano, TX 75093. A reception will follow the service at the church.

The family suggests memorials may be made to: Texas Health Presbyterian Foundation c/o Hospital Administration, Attention: Doug Anderson, 6200 West Parker Road, Plano, Texas 75093; or to: West Presbyterian Church, 2709 West Custer Road, Plano, Texas 75075.