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James Boyd Obituary

PEORIA - James D. Boyd, 57, of Peoria passed away at 12:05 a.m. June 17, 2011, in Peoria Heights.

Born March 21, 1954, in Peoria to Leonard and Effie Boyd, he married Janice Wolgemuth on April 29, 1978, in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are their four adoring children, Mike (Becky) and Tommy both of Peoria, Bridget of Denver, Colo., and Molly (Constant Sanciaume) of Groningen, The Netherlands; two grandchildren; and one sister, Brenda (Dale) Noel of Dunlap.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

He was a graduate of Bradley University and was a C.P.A. for 35 years and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. He was also a former board member at the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and friend.

A funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at his church, Rev. Mark Merdian officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Wright & Salmon Mortuary and one hour before services at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded, and private burial of ashes will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Boyd Memorial Fund c/o CEFCU. Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Jun. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Boyd

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Warren Molitor

July 5, 2011

Dear Janice and family, I just now recieved the news about Jim. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. As you know, Jim and I go way back to our first jobs in the Reeser building. We have been good friends ever since . Jim and I always had a great time catching up when we got together. He was such a caring person and so light hearted even discussing the tough problems we face each day.. We shared our latest news and ongoing concerns of our families. I feel I know you all thru those conversations of our families and concerns. My prayers are with you for your loss of a wonderful husband and father.

My sincere sympathy and condolences,

Kimmie Christianson

June 21, 2011

Janice so sorry to hear of your lost just found out today. If you ever need someone to talk to please call 699-2155
Kimmie

Nancy Stein

June 21, 2011

Janice and Family, I am so sorry to hear this! No one should lose their partner this early! I will pray you have the strength to make it through! I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers will be with you!
Nancy Stein (Stieber)

Helen King

June 20, 2011

To the family of James Boyd,

James and I served on the PACVB Board together and he was such a nice man. Always had a kind word. My prayers go out to the family. May God be a comfort to you at such a trying time. RIP my friend, James!

Ellen Keenan

June 20, 2011

Dear family of Jim Boyd,

I am truly heartbroken for your loss. Boyd was a good man, but I don't need to tell you that. He helped me out when I was a single mother going to school full time. My mother worked at Forrest Hill Cleaners in the mid 1980's, and got to know Boyd when he brought his shirts into be laundered. Since I was studying accounting at ICC (and later at Bradley) she asked him if he needed any help. He told her he did not at the time, but would look over my resume for me. When I went to his office (on Wisconsin Ave), he talked with me and told me several times during the conversation that he did not really have any need for extra help. By the end of our conversation, he said, "Oh, what the heck...come in for a few hours a week. I am sure I can use your help somehow." He was the best boss I ever worked for. He never failed to thank me at the end of every day as I left. I have often wished I could have worked for him again. Never have I met a nicer man than him. He loved his children so much (Tommy was very little when I worked for him...and he talked of him often). I never saw him in a bad mood for long...his humor would overtake any bad mood. He was a very funny man. We talked years later when he called me to inquire about a position at Bradley (he had kept tabs on me over the years and knew I became an accountant for the University). Unfortunately the position was entry level...definitely not good for someone with Boyd's knowledge and experience. I will miss the possibility of ever working for/with him again. Please know that he had a positive impact on many people---people you may not even know---like me. Thanks, Boyd, for showing me what a boss (and a good guy) should be.

Tina M. DeMay-Mary Lu Bowald's daughter

June 20, 2011

Janice & family
My deepest sympathy to you all during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

June 20, 2011

Tommy and family, We are so heartbroken to hear of your loss and want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Your courage, strength and family will carry you through this loss. Let us know if we can help in any way- Kathy and George D'Amore

Karen Lopez

June 20, 2011

From the entire staff of Risser & Company, you all are in our prayers & thoughts during this very tragic time. Boyd was one the friendliest and kind hearted people we have had the priviledge to know. RIP - for you will be missed by many

Merilynn and Steve Hyland

June 20, 2011

Tommy and family, we are so sorry. Our prayers join yours as you grieve the loss of your Dad and husband. We have fond memories of him which we will cherish.

Wendy Port

June 20, 2011

Dear Boyd family, we are so heartbroken and sorry for your loss. All of the Port/Hyland family are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Please know, if you need anything we are here. Loves to all of you!

Jessica Stovall

June 20, 2011

Mrs. Boyd, Mike & family:

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I am praying for you during this time.

Ken Maubach

June 20, 2011

Jim was a friend from school days (PHS). I always enjoyed his humor and his company. He will be missed by his many friends.

Mike & Jodi O'Flaherty

June 20, 2011

Janice & Family
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. May you find comfort with all of the great memories of Jim and knowing what a great man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Boyd Family.
God Bless You

Ashley Thompson

June 19, 2011

Aunt Janice & Family,
Words cannot express my sympathy for you, and the kids. I pray that God lifts you up, and holds you in his arms. Uncle Boyd was so kind hearted, loving, and always could make you laugh. I have many great memories of staying at your house when I was younger, Uncle Boyd would sleep on the couch so that I could sleep with Aunt Janice, because I never liked staying over anywhere. You both always made me feel at home! The most recent memory I have of Uncle Boyd is bringing in the new year, and we danced all night to old tunes. When we took you home you and Uncle Boyd squeezed in the trunk of my Jeep, and he yelled at me for buying a car with such a small trunk!lol I love you all, and I hope you all remember the good times with Uncle Boyd thats what will get you through the hard times. He's always by your side, and is looking down from heaven on all of you.
All my love,
Ashley Thompson

Ashley Thompson

June 19, 2011

Aunt Janice & Family,
Words cannot express my sympathy for you, and the kids. I pray that God lifts you up, and holds you in his arms. Uncle Boyd was so kind hearted, loving, and always could make you laugh. I have many great memories of staying at your house when I was younger, Uncle Boyd would sleep on the couch so that I could sleep with Aunt Janice, because I never liked staying over anywhere. You both always made me feel at home! The most recent memory I have of Uncle Boyd is bringing in the new year, and we danced all night to old tunes. When we took you home you and Uncle Boyd squeezed in the trunk of my Jeep, and he yelled at me for buying a car with such a small trunk!lol I love you all, and I hope you all remember the good times with Uncle Boyd thats what will get you through the hard times. He's always by your side, and is looking down from heaven on all of you.
All my love

June 19, 2011

Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. Joe Mcintyre

Loni Piper

June 19, 2011

Dear Janice, kids and family,
My heart is with you all at this time. May God wrap his arms around you all and may you feel his comfort and peace. You are in our prayers. Love, Loni

Debra Schalk

June 19, 2011

I just heard from my family of this sad passing of Jim. He was a lifelong family friend and will be missed by all. Our parents stood up together for their weddings, and he was a wonderful friend to my parents through the years. My heart goes out to Brenda and the kids, may you find comfort in wonderful memories of this very special man. My heart and prayers are with you all.

Rhonda Zeller

June 19, 2011

My heartfelt sympathies go out to Janice and children and all the Boyd family. I have many fond memories of Jim and Janice at the Zeller functions. I am thinking of all of you with love and prayers. God Bless.

Brenda McCartney

June 19, 2011

Janice and all Boyd family,
I just received word about Jim. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I really always enjoyed seeing you two. My thoughts are with you.

Jim and Sandy Bodtke

June 19, 2011

Thanks for all the good and positive you gave to me Jim, professionally and personally. In the stuffy world, you were a breath of fresh thinking, looking always for the humor in life.

To Janice, the kids, and all their friends we have prayers of sympathy for you at this time.

Jenny Jennings

June 19, 2011

I will miss yo RIP you always helped me when I needed help with school and Jamie... I love you God Bless Aunt Jenny

Darrell and Bev Neisler

June 19, 2011

Jim was the friendliest and most loving "kid" you would ever want to know. We were around him mostly in his growing up years...his mother was our cousin. Jim lived his life for Janice and his children and grandchildren. He was a good man. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.

Kitty Cullett

June 19, 2011

We all loved Boyd. You will not meet a more giving, loving person. We are so sorry for his loss.
Our deepest sympathies to Janice and the family.

Mike Coyle

June 19, 2011

Boyd ... You were the kindest and most generous man I have ever known, you had never met a stranger and were deeply loved and respected by your family and friends ... May you rest in peace my good friend, you will always live on in our hearts and our memories.

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