James D. Boyhan

Goshen and Middletown NY

James Donald Boyhan, a long time resident of Orange County, entered into rest May 9, 2009, after a long battle with Alzheimer's decease.

Born March 22, 1925 to Christopher and Ellen Kennedy Boyhan, Jim grew up in the Inwood section of New York City. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in the 1943, serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict and was given an Honorable Discharge in 1952 at rank of Sergeant Regular Army. After leaving the service, he married Elsie Axelson in 1953 and started a family. Driving a truck during the day and attending IONA College at night, Jim earned a Bachelors degree in Business Administration in 1959 and joined UPS as a DP Manager in 1960. After nine years he decided he wanted to work for himself so he sold the house in Westchester, bough 50% of the Willow Grove Nursery in Florida NY and relocated his family to Goshen.

In the mid 70's he returned to school and received a Master's degree in Education from NYU and at age 74 he retired from NY State after teaching in the prison system for fifteen years.

Jim was an active member of the community for many years. He served as a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 63 in Goshen and in Thornwood, NY. He was an active member of the St. John's Knights of Columbus, Middletown Elks and American Foreign Legion in Middletown and Thornwood NY, and the Loyal Order of Moose, Mamakating Lodge. He was also very active in the Church serving many years as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister with Saint John's Catholic Church in Goshen. as well as a tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Western Orange County.

He is survived by his three children, Barry and wife, Laura Boyhan in Louisburg, NC, Victoria and husband, Frank Malanga in Clarksburg, NJ, and Carl and wife, Susan Boyhan in Monroe, NY; six grandchildren, Brandon Boyhan and partner, Brandy in New Jersey, Alexis Sutliff in Georgia, and Carly, Samantha, Andrea and Daniel Boyhan of Monroe, NY, and great-grandchildren, Devon Sutliff and Bryleigh Boyhan; brother, Chris and sister-in-law, Trudy; brother, John Boyhan of Florida, along with countless nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his wife, Elsie Boyhan in 1987; sister, Margaret; brother-in-law, Joseph Johnson; sisters-in-law, Doris and Jane Boyhan; brother, Albert Boyhan, who was killed in France during World War II.

The family would like to thank Vickie Nemeth for the care and friendship she offered Jim in his later years, and to the all the staff and nurses of The Pine Valley Center for Nursing and Rehab in Spring Valley. Jim's body has been donated to NYU Medical Center for Alzheimer's Research.

There will be Memorial Mass in his honor at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Sacred Heart Church in Monroe, NY.

Contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.