More detail on this person: Jim's combat
experience: Korea 1952-53 in the Air Force (non
flying). Vietnam 1963 in the1st Aviation Co as a
Caribou Command Pilot. Vietnam 1967-68 145th
Combat Aviation Bn (Old Warriors), Executive
Officer 190th Assault Helicopter Company. He
received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for
Heroism while participating in Aerial Flight ,17
April 1968.
With his family by his side, LTC James R. Boyd,
79, of Sun City Center, Florida died June 6, 2013
at his home. Born February 16, 1934 in Meadville,
Pennsylvania, to Gerald W. and Gertrude Kearney
Boyd, James attended high school in Ironton, Ohio,
and returned for reunions.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17
and served with the 187th Airborne under Colonel
Westmoreland in Korea,1951-1952. Leaving the
U.S. Air Force, he attended North Georgia College
in Dahlonega, Georgia, graduating as a
Distinguished Military Graduate and was then
commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S.
Army. Having married Mary Carol King in 1954, he
and their young family moved from one U.S. Army
training school to another until he earned his
aviation wings.
Flying the fixed-wing Caribou (C-V2), he served in
Viet Nam in 1963, primarily supporting Special
Forces Units. As the 'Airmobile' concept took
form, he flew the Huey helicopter during his
second tour in Viet Nam with the 190th Assault
Helicopter Company from 1967 - 1968, during the
TET Offensive. His valor awards include the
Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and
numerous Air Medals with V for valor. He completed
his military career at Fort Hood, Texas, retiring
in 1981. James earned his master's degree while in
Texas and went to work as a Director for BDM, a
military contractor, after retirement, helping
test and ready the Abrams M1 Tank.
Preceded in death by his wife, James moved to the
Tampa Area in 1998 and worked with the Beck
Corporation. Discovering Sun City Center, he
purchased his home here in 2000.
An avid golfer, James enjoyed spending time with
his golf buddies, eight-somes and extended family,
children and five grandchildren at Caloosa as well
as his nightly workout with fellow gym enthusiasts
at the SCC Community Club.
James is survived by his sister and
brother-in-law, Norma and Maurice Roukous of Sun
City Center; his sister and brother-in-law,
Gertrude and Ron Butler of El Paso, Texas;
sister-in-law Dorothy Clark of Atlanta; daughter
Brenda Wheeler of Sun City Center; daughter and
son-in-law Debbie and Randy Hood of Richardson,
Texas; son Greg Boyd; daughter and son-in-law
Cathy and Dr. David Giles of Fort Worth, Texas;
five grandchildren, and many nieces and
nephews.
The viewing will be held Thursday, July 11, 2013
from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Sun City Center
Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Dr., Sun City
Center, Florida.
The memorial service will be held Friday, July 12
at 11 a.m., in the Royal Palm Room, Little Harbor
Resort, Ruskin, followed by a Military Honors
burial at Sarasota National Cemetery promptly at
2:30 p.m. Following the burial, a Celebration of
Life will be held at the Royal Palm Room, Little
Harbor Resort, from 5 p.m. until 7: p.m. In lieu
of flowers, the family requests a contribution be
made to the Wounded Veteran charity of your
choice. Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral
Home.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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