James M. Boyda

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James "Jamo" Boyda, age 75, who left us peacefully on November 18, 2025, at Paoli Hospital. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim was born and raised in Chester, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Hedwig's Parochial School and graduated from St. James Catholic High School, Class of 1967. He later pursued further education, earning an associate degree from Montgomery County Community College and a Bachelor's Degree from Immaculata College.

Jim devoted 36 years of his career to the Philadelphia Electric Company as an analyst, retiring in 2013. In 2008, he and his beloved wife, Kathleen, moved to Garnet Valley after spending 32 wonderful years in Boothwyn.

A passionate baseball player and sports enthusiast, Jim played in numerous leagues during his youth and continued to enjoy both baseball and softball well into adulthood. He was involved with Chichester Baseball and the Chichester Crusaders Football & Baseball youth teams and shared countless memorable moments on the golf course with family and friends. His love of travel took him to various Major League Baseball parks across the country, where he created lasting memories. Jim cherished his time sharing lunches with friends from the "West End" and was an active member of the "Romeo Club", standing for Retired Old Men Eating Out. Jim hosted an annual horseshoe tournament that became a beloved tradition in the community for more than 15 years. Friends, neighbors, and newcomers alike looked forward to the day filled with friendly competition, laughter, and Jim's warm hospitality. He took great pride in organizing the event-setting up the pits, keeping score, and making sure everyone felt welcome. Jim was a longtime member of St. John Fisher Church and served his country in the United States Naval Reserve.

Jim's greatest joy came from being a family man. He dedicated his time to coaching his sons in sports and was ever-present at his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, school plays, and family gatherings, ensuring that he was there to support and celebrate every milestone. His legacy of love for baseball and sports will live on through his children and grandchildren, whom he adored deeply.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Frank and Anna Jedyck Boyda, his beloved son Jeffrey Boyda, and his brothers Frank and Richard Boyda.

SURVIVORS: His loving wife of 56 years Kathleen Manchin Boyda, his son James Boyda Jr., his siblings Carol Farnan, Nancy Malseed, Andrew Boyda, and Michael Boyda, his grandchildren Joshua Boyda and Katelin Boyda. Jim is also survived by many In-laws (Outlaws), cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place at the St. John Fisher Church, 4225 Chichester Ave., Boothwyn beginning at 9:00 AM, allowing friends and family to gather, share stories, and reflect on the life of this remarkable man.
James Boyda will be honored and remembered at a Funeral Mass on November 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, held at St. John Fisher Church.
Following the Mass, Jim will be laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Gift of Life Donor Program, in gratitude for the life-saving lung transplant he received ten years ago. Contributions can be made online at www.donors1.org or mailed to 401 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

In this time of mourning, we invite all who knew Jim Boyda to join us in celebrating his life, his passions, and the love he shared with each of us. He will be deeply missed but will live on forever in our hearts.