James M. "Jim" Boyle

James M. Boyle, age 84, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, together with his daughter Michele and partner, Pam, following a brief illness. Jim was born February 21, 1941 in Appleton, WI to the late Clarence J. Boyle and the late Cora J. (Beilke) Boyle.

After graduating from Appleton West High School in 1959, Jim worked in the automotive service and oil industry most of his life before opening Gillespie and Boyle Auto Service in 1975. The business transitioned to Boyle Auto Sales in 1999, which remains in business today.

When he first saw Mary Ellen Thomson he declared his intent to marry her and did so in 1965. Following their marriage, Jim and Mary lived in Sheboygan Falls, WI, where Jim worked in the service station industry. Jim and Mary built a life together hunting and fishing, running the family business and being devoted parents. They loved to travel with family and largely devoted their lives to their children. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, Michele, Jim and Mary returned to Appleton where Jim opened Prospect Service Center and soon welcomed the arrival of their son, Jeff.

A well-known member of the local automotive business community and a dedicated family man, Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting and laughing with many friends. He instilled a love of and respect for nature in his children at a very young age, values they have retained through their lives. Jim was an avid fisherman and could be relied on for knowing the best fishing spots in Wisconsin. Some of his family's best memories are centered around fishing with him over the decades.

Anyone who knew Jim well likely has an amusing story to tell about their friendship. Jim was also a father figure to many people seeking guidance and wisdom. He could always be counted on for always having a joke to share and for making people smile; he had a knack for making people feel heard and cared for because he was genuinely interested in their success and well-being. Jim was often thought of as a "bigger-than-life" personality and remained so active even through his senior years that it was difficult to keep up with him.

Following Mary Ellen's death in 2003, Jim met Pam Nault, with whom he shared the remainder of his life. Jim and Pam shared 22 wonderful years together. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dining out, and traveling as much as they were able. Jim and Pam shared many adventures with family and friends, and were especially fond of spending time together at their vacation home in Arbor Vitae, WI.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen (Thomson) Boyle; his parents, Clarence and Cora Boyle; and his sister Judith (William) Gillespie and her husband. He is survived by his daughter, Michele (Richard) Hill; his son, Jeff and his fiancee, Lindsey Weber and their children; his long-time partner, Pamela Nault and her son Chris (Brenda) Nault and their children Sophia and Alivia; and Pam's daughter Nikki (Carl) Sanderfoot and their children Ellie and Jacob; his brother William (Patti) Boyle and their children, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim's warmth, generosity and jocularity will be well-remembered and held in fondness by everyone who knew him. In typical fashion, he was more concerned in his final days about the people in his immediate family than he was for himself.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street in Appleton. Friends may visit on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 beginning at 3:00 pm followed by a 6:00 pm prayer service. Jim asked that this be a time for sharing good memories, laughter and love. A private funeral mass will follow and internment will occur at a later date.

Jim's family is deeply grateful to the many friends who provided compassion support in so many ways during Jim's final days.