James Boyd

Jim Boyd lived to be 91 years old. Born in 1924, he enjoyed a long and full life. He and his partners conceived and grew Longmont Dairy before turning that responsibility over to his family.He served on various boards, serving his neighborhood, the community and region in general. Those included Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Colorado Milk Board, Longs Peak Water District, United Power and Tri-State Electric. He seemed to enjoy a board room as much as a great set of cattle. His penchant for risk taking, tough negotiating and vision for the future brought special advantages to the various groups he served.Born into humble circumstances in South Dakota, he grew up during the Great Depression. He graduated from Wessington Springs High School where he met and later married Olna Stolen, his beloved wife of 60 plus years. He then joined the Army, completing his military service in the Air Corps, serving in Okinawa during WWII.Upon returning home, he farmed and became a state milk tester, and then the young farm manager for Marty Mission. As that door closed, another opened. He and a partner moved their families to Colorado to build a cow herd for Karls Farm Dairy. That's where he met his future partners who built Longmont Dairy.Jim was preceded in death by his wife Olna and his siblings.His family and his faith in God anchored his life. He is survived by sons David Boyd (Susan) of Longmont and Bruce Boyd of New Cambria, MO, daughter Debbie Zisch (John) of Longmont, 8 grandchildren; Brian Boyd (Kristie), Katy Trull (Colby), Katie Herrmann (Erik), Daniel Boyd (Brooke), Eric Boyd, Jay Zisch, Lisa Brock (Jordan) and Megan Wilson (John), 10 great-grandchildren; Isabella, Joshua, Aline, Lyric, Grace, Natalie, Brenden, Ellie, Travis, Everett and three on the way.Growing up during the depression forced him to be frugal, but he was also generous. He knew how to do an honest days' work but was best at delegation. Much could be said about his provision for family and his children had more opportunities than most, certainly more than he had. He was the first to admit his faults, mistakes and errors, yet what mattered most to him was the relationship and love he shared with Jesus Christ.Visitation will be held from 12-2PM, Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:00AM, Monday, October 26, 2015 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Longmont Community Foundation for the Longmont Mountain View Cemetery Preservation Fund in c/o Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Burial at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.