James received his high school diploma in Rahway, New Jersey he then enlisted in the navy in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1948. He then completed his service in the Naval reserves. He furthered his education at the University of Missouri School of Mines, receiving his BS in Engineering in 1952 in Rolla, Missouri.
Upon graduation, he married Lucille Stiegemeyer in St. Louis MO on October 4, 1952, and celebrated their 72nd anniversary this past October. He worked as an engineer for U.S. Steel at their Red Mountain District iron ore mines located in Jefferson County, AL. While there, he was promoted to Senior Engineer over all the producing mines. He then accepted a position with the U.S. Bureau of Mines where he spent the remainder of his career as the Liaison Officer representing the Bureau and the mineral producing states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida.
Church was an important part of Jim's life. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills. He also played softball on church teams with First Lutheran in Knoxville, TN and Holy Cross in Tuscaloosa, AL. He served various positions in church throughout his life and was a very strong advocate for Lutheran Parochial Schools from elementary level all the way to the ordination of new pastors at the seminary.
In his spare time, he loved the NY Yankees and Alabama football. He enjoyed reading history, especially books on the Civil War and the US involvement in WWII. He also enjoyed watching history programs and documentaries. He stressed to his children and grandchildren that they could be and do anything, and he supported and encouraged them to achieve their goals.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur James Boyle, his mother, Ethel Marie Springer, his brothers, Arthur James, Jr, and Walter Thomas, and his sisters, Harriet Marie (Ernie Mulhollen), and Marjorie Jean (Jerry Middaugh).
James is survived by his spouse, Lucille Harriet Stiegemeyer Boyle, his children, Marcia Ann Toellner (Alan), James Robert Boyle, Jr. (Lisa), Stephanie Lea Lawson (Randy), his grandchildren, Amelia Ganze (Ron), Tara Griggs (Jim), Caitlin Lawson (Luke McClintock), Matthew Boyle, Heather Hensley (Robbie), Zachery Lawson, his great-grandchildren, Ethan Griggs and Logan Griggs, his sister, Elizabeth Ann Boyle Melchior (John), and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran School in Bunceton, MO.
The family will have a memorial service on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills. A private burial will precede the service.
