James Charles "Jim" Boynewicz

12/8/1938 - 01/3/2024

Groton Long Point - James Charles "Jim" Boynewicz passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in Groton Long Point, after a short illness. He was born Dec. 8, 1938, in Waukegan, Ill.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Barbara Boynewicz; his children: John Boynewicz (Ruth) of Virginia Beach, and Katherine Boynewicz Letellier (Joseph) of Groton Long Point. He was the proud Dzia Dzia of seven grandchildren: Jacob, Jason and James Boynewicz, and Luke, Zachary, Joshua and Laura Rose Letellier. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his eldest son Timothy Boynewicz; his mother Harriet Mrozinska; and his siblings: Phyllis, Alexander, Lillian, Charlotte, Frank and Peter.

Jim grew up in Waukegan, Ill., graduating from Waukegan High School in 1956. He earned his undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University and his graduate degree at Northern Illinois University, both degrees in education. A job as an assistant football coach at Brown University brought he and his wife to Rhode Island in the late 1960s, and then they later moved to Stonington, in 1986. He spent many years as a physical education teacher and coach. A career change brought him into the sales industry in the early 1980s.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, teacher and football coach. Jim cherished his Polish heritage, loved to travel and was a passionate Chicago Cubs and New England Patriot fan. Jim was extremely proud of his family, their accomplishments and their love of family. His passion for life, sense of humor, kindness and love, and work ethic have inspired and impacted so many people; and he will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Saint Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton. Jim's cremated remains will be placed to rest at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Waukegan, Ill., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntington's Disease Society of America (hdsa.org), the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (npcf.us) or Grampy's Charity (grampys.org). Arrangements are being handled by Mystic Funeral Home.