James Boyce

James Boyce Was born with the aid of an infrared flashlight during a Wolf Pack raid on Colon, Panama on February 9, 1942. This was the beginning of a rich life full of adventure and hard work. His strength of mind and character allowed him to conduct business and watch the Giants right up until he passed quietly at his home on September 26, after having valiantly fought a rare liver cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kris Otis, his son, Max Boyce, and his sister, Mary Heald. After World War II and working abroad, his parents settled at Lake Tahoe where Jim discovered his sense of place among the mountains, forests and lakes. He carried this with him wherever he went. He attended Los Altos High School and then his life followed a quiet path of discovery, taking him on work and adventure across the globe. Being a humble man, he never boasted his many accomplishments. He attended UC Berkeley where he achieved a Masters of Architecture. He was an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Pratt Institute, NYU and SUNY. He was involved in FAIA and resort hotel development in Florida. He helped develop CAD and related systems. He developed the world's largest OCIA certified organic farming operation in Nevada, producing true organic beef. His sense of place and love of west Marin led him to the Marin French Cheese Company - the oldest continuously operating cheese factory in the United States. He rebuilt it, expanded the number of cheeses made from 5 to 40, and garnered many national and international awards, including World Champion Brie in 2005 - the first time an American cheese beat the French in the Brie category. Jim imbued the nascent California artisan cheese community with his competitive spirit and sense of community. He led the new breed of dairy producers in sustainable business practices that have been admired and emulated by competitors across the country, many of whom enjoyed his fine friendship. He made a difference that will resonate permanently in the artisan cheese industry. All who knew him considered him a real visionary. He was always thinking big, reaching far, and thinking outside the box. He looked at the glass as half full and came from an ethical point of view. He was a true Renaissance man, an active environmentalist, a lover of good food and independent film, an informed person of world events, and a big bay area sports enthusiast. He and his wife enjoyed adventure travel all over the world and he loved to share his travel impressions/stories and videos. In particular, he enjoyed rafting the Colorado River with his family and friends. He was an exceptional husband, father, brother, employer and friend. He will be deeply missed by all. The majority of his estate is left to his favorite charities. A celebration of his special self and life is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice in his name.