James H. Boyd

JAMES H. BOYD February 16, 1932 – July 4, 2016       James H. “Jim” Boyd, age 84 of Park Rapids, MN, peacefully passed into eternal life on Monday, July 4, 2016 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side.        Jim was born on February 16, 1932 in Edgeley, ND to Homer and Ivas (Brown)Boyd.  He attended country school near his home; but, was not able to attend high school as he started working early in life to help support his family, as his dad’s health was poor, due to being a prisoner of war during World War II.  As a young man, Jim entered the United States Airforce where he served his country based in New Zealand for four years during the Korean War.  He was part of an elite air rescue unit; participating mostly in search and rescue missions over the Pacific.  Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned home to work in building construction in a career that spanned over 40 years and allowed him work on notable projects including: St. Peter’s Catholic Church, The Park Rapids High School, The Hubbard County Court House, the construction of several local Apartment buildings and many residences.  On October 5, 1968, Jim’s life was fulfilled in his marriage to his best friend and soulmate, Patricia Thelen who always called Jim “her rock”.  He adopted her three children and loved them as his own.       Jim was very proud of keeping his yard and garden looking beautiful.  He especially loved his family and his precious grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He took great joy in spending time with all of them every chance he could.  He saw it his job as loving husband, father and grandfather to take care of his family’s needs and always made everything okay.  He loved to fish and hunt with his family and friends.  He enjoyed being part of deer camp every hunting season, he also loved to play cards and bowled on a league team for many years.  He was a hard worker who always did his best to engineer ideas to build or fix anything the best it could be done.       He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Pat; his son, Rick (Margo) Boyd of Park Rapids; his two precious daughters: Deb Koester of Park Rapids and Michele (Ken) Haskins of Menahga; as well as 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; four brothers: Alvin (Chris) Boyd of Lincoln, NE, Bob Boyd of Bemidji, Eugene Boyd of Park Rapids and Carl (Marcy) Boyd of Osage; two sisters: Ethel (Dennis) Knowles of Sobieski, MN and Judy (Jim) Parr of Moses Lake, WA as well as many nieces and nephews.       Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Dale and Floyd; four sisters: Vera, Eleanore, Eunice and Jonora; a nephew, Roger; two sisters-in-law: Marge and Lorna and his son-in-law, Jon Koester.       Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.  The music will be led by Annette Haas and Lynn Just. Amy Yerkes will be the accompanist. The casket bearers will be nephews: Ronnie Boyd, J.C. Boyd, Bob Boyd, Jr., Dan Sharp, Chris Wagner, Steve Wagner and Willy Jensen.  The honorary casket bearers will be a niece and nephews: Rachel Thelen, Blaine Anderson, Will Retz, Andy Thelen and Nick Kueber. Interment will be made in the St. Peters Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids.  The Star Of The North Marine Corps League will provide military honors.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Friday, July 8th at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and will continue on Saturday beginning one hour prior to the service.  Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.  To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com