Colonel James Austin Boyle Jr.

Colonel James Austin “Jim” Boyle, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa, surrounded by family. He was 92 years old.

Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Jim’s life was defined by faith, family, leadership, and service to his country. A gifted athlete, he attended Furman University on a football scholarship, where he was a three-year starting quarterback and subsequently as an Assistant Coach for the Purple Hurricanes. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree, he received a regular commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate into the United States Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in March 1957, beginning a distinguished 30-year military career in key Army and Joint leadership positions.

Jim’s early assignments took him across the country, serving in field artillery assignments in Alabama, Alaska, and Colorado, including three tours as a battery commander. Following completion of the Field Artillery Advanced Course and the Special Warfare School, he deployed to South Vietnam in 1965 as an advisor to the Vietnamese Artillery Command and School. From 1966 to 1969, he worked at the U.S. Army Combat Experimental Command, developing and testing artillery and night vision systems that supported operations in Vietnam.

After graduating from the Command and General Staff College in 1970, Jim returned to Alaska to command the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery. His later assignments took him around the world — from serving as Assistant Inspector General for Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army / Joint US Forces Korea, to Staff Officer in Deputy Chief of Staff, J1 at U.S. European Command near Stuttgart, Germany.

Upon completing the U.S. Army War College in 1976, he held a series of senior leadership roles at Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), including three years as Executive Officer to the Commanding General. He later served as Secretary of the Joint Staff for U.S. European Command before being appointed Commandant of the NATO School (SHAPE) in 1984, where he concluded his service with distinction. In 1976, Jim earned a master’s degree and was known throughout his career for his strategic insight, professionalism, and devotion to those under his command.

Colonel Boyle’s military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Campaign Service Stars, Army Overseas Service Ribbon with Award Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Vietnam Medal of Honor (1st Class)

He is survived by his sons, Michael Boyle and his wife Alla Tsipenyuk of Shelton, Connecticut, and Kenneth Boyle and his wife Marian Mercado Boyle of Urbandale, Iowa; and by his cherished grandchildren, James A. Boyle III, Berit Jean Boyle, Robert Boyle, Camilla Boyle, Ryan Boyle (wife Mia Boyle), and Carson Boyle; and great-grandchild, Dove Boyle. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Betty Jean.

Colonel Boyle’s legacy endures through his family, his service, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Florida followed by interment on a date to be determined.