James Leroy Boyd, 83, passed away after a long illness. He was born in Billings, MT on July 18, 1936, to William "Bud" and Evelyn Boyd.He is survived by his children, Lewis, Greg (Trisha), Mary Thiesen (Mark), Brett and Jamie Echols (Justin). He has six grandchildren.He graduated from Armijo High School in Fairfield in 1954 where he was voted "best looking". He then married his high school sweetheart, Barbara McKnight. He started his sports career in Florida with the Washington Senators Farm League. That ended with a knee injury. He then proceeded to USF State to get his teaching credential. He started his career at Vanden, a brand-new school in 1964. He was hired as a substitute teacher by his best friend, Ed Serpas, who got him started in high school sports. He eventually became a teacher in Economics and American Government. He also became the Athletic Director for Vanden. He coached freshman football and towards the end of his career he coached golf. In between he was Vanden's only basketball coach for 34 years. His basketball coaching career ended with a record of 614 wins and 257 losses including the State Championship in 1986. He was entitled the "winningest coach" in basketball in San Joaquin Section history. He retired from coaching but continued as a teacher for another year including summer school. His career ended in March of 1997. In June of 1998, Vanden gymnasium was named the "James L. Boyd" gymnasium.He is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Fiel; father, William Boyd; sister, Margaret LaVerne Boyd-Dickson-Lucas, and former wife, Barbara.He loved tomatoes, golf, San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, as well as his humorous (sometimes dirty) jokes, teaching and basketball. He loved life. But most important, he loved his family.A Celebration of Life will be held in the James L. Boyd Gymnasium at Vanden High School, Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m., 2951 Markeley Lane, Fairfield. 437-8270.Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home.
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Published by Times Herald Online from Sep. 18 to Sep. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Boyd

Sponsored by Bryan-Braker Funeral Home.

10 Entries

Steve Ache

September 23, 2019

I attended Vanden High School in 1977 and 1978 as a freshman and sophomore. I never played directly for coach but was always encouraged by him to do my very best in both sports and academics. he inspired me with his passion as I know he did with all the men who played for him over his long and storied career. A great man and mentor that will be greatly missed. Steve Ache

Yvette Felix Harris

September 23, 2019

Brett and Jamie my heart goes out to your entire family. Your father was beyond amazing; I want to say, "Thank you for sharing your father with all those whose lives he touched." I still remember when he gave me my nickname"YOVETTE", I love letting people know about your father..... I know your father is balling for "God's Team!

Yvette Felix Harris

September 23, 2019

Brett and Jamie my heart goes out to both of you and your entire family. Your father was beyond amazing, I want to thank for sharing him with all whom he touched. I still remember him giving my nickname "YOVETTE"; and when I am asked who gave me that nickname I loved sharing the story of your father giving it to me.....As I read earlier he is balling for "GOD'S" team now.

Karen Carter

September 22, 2019

Jim was a colleague for many years...he was teaching at Vanden and I was at Golden West. During this time he also was a teacher for my children. My daughter really enjoyed his Psychology class, and my son and his friends really enjoyed being on his golf team. In the early 1990's I chose to join three colleagues at North Campus. After Jim retired, the unthinkable happened and one of our teachers passed away. Jim came out of retirement and taught with us for the remainder of the year. He was just what we needed. Jim blended in, made us laugh, showed us how much he cared for our students, and his kind spirit keep us together in our mission to graduate our students. I will always be grateful for his friendship.

charles wilbur

September 19, 2019

Known Coach Boyd from 1960 till now. Good man ,great coach. Time to rest my friend time to rest ..your on Gods team now.

charles wilbur

September 19, 2019

Coach Boyd coached me in 6th grade at center School, the first time I ever played a sport....We won the city championship for C&D basketball....I was hooked on him as a coach. He coached me again in 8th grade in flag football, basketball and softball. then once more as jr. and sr. years at Vanden....Good but nothing to what he did later. I'm very proud to have known him as a person and as a player....Rest my friend, time to rest ....your on Gods team now.

September 19, 2019

Jim and I grew as player and coach together over time....It started at Center School on Travis,I played c-d basketball for him as I was a little kid in 6th grade. The next two years I played flag football for both Ed Surpas and Jim Boyd....Didn't link up again till high school...playing varsity for Jim at Vanden.We did well but nothing like what he did after I left....I'm very proud to have known and played foe such a great guy....May God use your talent to teach the angles to play, the way you did for the Vikings....Rest my friend, time to rest.

September 19, 2019

Mr Boyd was my 5th grade teacher at Center School
at Travis AFB. He was mentor and friend. He played baseball. We (this class) was the first class that Mr Boyd ever taught. This was his first coming right out of college. All the moms thought he was so goooooood looking. I will miss you James Boyd. Oh ya, we were never allowed to call him boyd brain (bird brain).
I love you my friend.....

Dave Nadeau

SCOTT STACEY

September 19, 2019

For over 25 years I personally witnessed the rivalry between Dixon and Vanden in Basketball. Jim was a highly competitive coach and he became a good friend. I shall miss his competitiveness and his friendship.

David Florez

September 18, 2019

Coach Boyd was always the one for student achievement in both academics and education. He was a strong front runner when Vanden started up and continued to serve the public. He will be surely missed by everyone who knew him.

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