Jim (James Lewis) Boyd moved on to his next great adventure Wednesday evening, July 6, 2011 at Yakima Regional with family at his side. He was born the fifth child to Lewis and Hazel Boyd on October 19, 1922 at the family homestead in Stillwater County, Montana. Leaving Montana, the family moved to Yakima in 1927. Dad grew up on the north side of Yakima. He attended Yakima High School, graduating in 1941. In January, 1942 Dad followed his brother Ray into the Army. He served in Europe and was discharged in April, 1946.
Dad married Lois Schmidt on April 5, 1944. They spent over 64 years together until Mom's passing in 2008. During those years they spent any available time traveling to see what is out there. After retiring, they traveled to Europe so Dad could show Mom some of the places he had seen during the war. They also traveled to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and many parts of the US.
Jim joined the Independent Order of Oddfellows when he was 14 and remained an active member all his life, attending the annual Grand Lodge the week before he passed. He lived the motto of Friendship, Love and Truth every day in all he did. One of his greatest prides was being the chairman of the youth scholarship committee.
Jim worked for the Northern Pacific Transport, then Burlington Northern Transport for many years as a driver and manager. He loved traveling the highways and developed many friendships all over Central Washington. After leaving 'The Transport' because of injury, he started selling Durotest lights throughout Central Washington.
After years of fishing and hunting, he and Mom volunteered at the Oak Creek Wildlife Feeding Station. They spent 16 years going up to help feed the elk each winter.
In 2008, after Mom's passing, Dad moved to Living Care Retirement Community.
There he started another adventure. He enjoyed all the social aspects that were provided. Having lost most of his vision, this situation provided him with endless activities, trips and people to talk with - very important. He attended the V A workshop for the blind at American Lake and became even more independent. He played beanbag baseball, bingo, putt-putt golf and if the bus was leaving, he was on it. He developed a special friendship with his neighbor Gloria Salatino that helped him through those long evenings and provided a caring companion.
Jim is survived by his son, James L. Boyd Jr. (Jim) & wife, Sue; 2 grandchildren, Cheryl Phillips of Shoreline, W A and Nathan Gassert of Sydney, Australia; 3 great grandchildren, Jessica, Ashley and Riley Phillips. He will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by brothers, Ray & Ken and sisters, Cora, Lela & Margaret.
Please join us in a celebration of Jim's life on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 2pm at Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel. To share a memory of Jim visit, www.keithandkeith.com
Please send remembrances to: Oak Creek Wildlife Feeding Station, Elk Feeding Program, 16601 Highway 12, Naches, WA 98937 or L.J. Jones Memorial Scholarship, Grand Lodge of Washington IOOF, P.O. Box 377, Buckley, WA 98321.
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