Jimmy F. Boyd

OBITUARY for JIMMY FRANK BOYD Jimmy (Jim) Frank Boyd passed into God's loving arms on December 31, 2023 at the Journey Home Hospice in Dewey, Oklahoma after 87 years of life. He was surrounded by his wife, Karen, the love of his life for the past 65 years. Also present were his son, Scott Boyd of San Luis Obispo, California and his daughter Julie and son-in-law Stacey Jarrett of Dewey, Oklahoma. Jim was born on November 22, 1936 in Tipton, Oklahoma. His parents were J.W. and Lillian Ruth Hickerson Boyd. He enjoyed growing up in a small farming community with a big family. All his siblings have preceded him in death, including two brothers, Donald Lee and Chester Doyle Boyd and two sisters, Judy May Hightower and Betty Buxton. Although his siblings had passed, his brother's and sister's children were a beautiful blessing to Jim and he had great affection for them and their children. Additional “same as family” members include: Lisa, Spencer and Devin Doupe, Alicia, Jarrett and Nathan Gibson, Jessica Jarrett, and a host of other beloved friends and nieces and nephews. Jim was a devoted husband and father but took an extra measure of joy in his two grandsons and daughter-in-law, Cameron Jarrett and his wife Danielle of Bartlesville and Austin Jarrett of Dewey. However, the most certain way to getting a smile out of Jim was to bring his 6 great grandchildren, Cooper, Henry, Stella, Freddy, Charlie and Joey, by for a visit where he immediately succumbed to their every desire, whether that was a tractor ride around the pond, pushing them on all the playground toys he built or just a quiet talk in his lap. Although Jim would be embarrassed that this little story is being included, it illustrates the depth of his character even at a young age. When Senior Superlative Awards rolled around and the faculty discovered that Jim had received almost every award through the votes of his classmates. He was elected the Most Handsome, the Most Likely to Succeed, the Most Athletic, and Most Sincere etc.. They asked if he would mind selecting just one award and he happily choose the Most Sincere as the award that meant the most to him. As you might have guessed, the family didn't learn about this from Jim. Some 50+ years post high school, one of Jim's classmates ended up being a client of his daughter's and the sweet story was divulged! You see, Jim Boyd may have been small in stature but he was an absolute giant to his family and friends. He wasn't someone you esteemed because of the way he took command of a room or because his list of life accomplishments were glaringly obvious. However, he was a successful man by the world's standards as well. Jim's gifts from the Lord were in the art of serving and loving others well. He loved others so unconditionally, so authentically and so unselfishly that you never had to wonder how he felt about you. He was an extremely quiet man who understood the value of listening more than you speak, giving more than you take, working hard until a job is done and done right, and he endured the tough times in life with an unbelievable grit and determination and never complained. Jim didn't believe in speaking unkindly about anyone ever, no matter what! He was humble and never gave up on anyone or judged them harshly for the mistakes they made along the way. After high school he attended college for a time on a football scholarship. Jim moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma and began working in many facets of the construction field and eventually built homes until becoming involved in the concrete business. He retired at the age of 62 as the owner of Boyd Concrete Services. It is such an honor as a family to hear former employees tell us things like: “Jim was the finest man I ever worked for”, “that man could work harder than two 20 year olds at the age of 60”, “you could always count on Jim to do things right and do what he said he would do”. God didn't stop with the gifting mentioned above. Jim had many skills as a metal machinist, wood craftsman and leather artisan. He loved to learn and it wasn't at all uncommon to find him reading vintage textbooks he found here and there to teach himself the math, geometry, engineering or physics skills needed to build interesting things and satisfy his curiosity. He enjoyed history, the adventures of explorers and maps, hunting, fishing, camping, leather craft, motorcycling, spending time with his family and friends. He took great joy in improving their property over the years. He built complicated things like a fully functional gatling gun, miniature cannons and a catapult. He loved native American history and made primitive archery bows and arrows and beautifully embellished quivers, custom gun holsters, satchels, Harley bags, chaps and vests, as well as furniture and wagons. Jim taught himself how to restore vintage sewing machines for his leather work and built a tree house for his grandsons with a full blown, lattice staircase that could sway with the wind. Creating brought him joy and seeing what he created bring someone pleasure really made him happy. We love you Jim, Daddy, Granddad and will always treasure the invaluable legacy of the quiet lessons your life has taught us all. Goodbye for now. Jim lived a wonderful life and followed God's most imperative message incredibly well! “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 The family invites everyone to join them for a very casual time to gather and reminisce, laugh, and enjoy the beautiful life of Jim Boyd. If you would like to bring or email a written story or thought you would like to have included in a book of tributes the family is compiling for Karen, the family would be very grateful! Celebration of Life Come and Go, Open House at Jim and Karen's Home Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 2 – 4 p.m. 12970 N. 3978 Drive Dewey, OK 74029 Email: julie.k.jarrett@gmail.com The family has been so touched by the amazing, gentle, and highly skilled staff that did their very best to care for Jim during this challenging time. For the tenderness you showed, not only Jim, but the whole family, may God bless you all! We could not have asked for better care, by more incredible people. Gina Anderson ARPN • Ascension Jane Phillips Inpatient Rehab • Dr. Marilyn Wilburn, MD Dr. Jason L. King, MD • Compassus Home Health • The Journey Home To the friends and family that have prayed for us, fed us, done all kinds of helpful things for us and held us with those hugs we couldn't make it without, we love you. Our hearts are full of gratitude for every single one of you. You have lifted our heavy hearts more than you will ever know. Memorials contributions can be made in Jim's name to the following: The Journey Home 900 NE Washington Boulevard Bartlesville, OK 74006

Jimmy F. Boyd

November 22, 1936 - December 31, 2023