James Gilbert Boyd, age 70, was born June 28, 1942 in Leon, Iowa. He passed from this life on June 1, 2013 in Kansas City, Missouri surrounded by his family, a close friend, and the wonderful support staff at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Gib was a Viet Nam Veteran and served in the U.S. Army. He was born and raised in southern Iowa and lived there as well as Davenport, Iowa and Arizona in his early adulthood. He and his wife, Pat, lived and worked in Africa for 14 years in the countries of Tanzania, Uganda, and Swaziland. Gib also worked for four years in Russia. As a result, he saw a lot of world outside his Iowa roots and the stories and experiences he shared were priceless. He and Pat eventually settled in Liberty, Missouri twenty years ago. Gib is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pat (Lyons) Boyd of Liberty, son William Gilbert "Billy" Boyd of Centerville, Iowa, and grandson Cody Boyd of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He also leaves a multitude of family and friends to celebrate his life and legacy, including his sisters and brothers-in-law, Robin and Tom Eiland and Katie and Rick Corlett, all of Krum, Texas and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Linda Boyd of Gallatin, Missouri. He leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews who all reveled in Uncle Gib's adventures, Bea Ann Ledgerwood, Tina Esbeck, Jim Boyd, Sam Boyd and families all of Missouri and Tricia Boyd, Amber Whitsett, Josh Hastie, Clint Hastie, Megan Gjombalaj and families all of Texas. He was preceded in death by his daughters, two infants, Tammy Marie and Rebecca Lynn and Toni Corena Boyd, his parents James and Beatrice Boyd, brother Jay Alfred Boyd and sister Rebecca Joyce Boyd. Gib was a steadfast friend to many and had a zest for life and never stopped learning. He was well read in so many areas and we relied on his memory for those distant times and places. There was not a subject which you couldn't talk to him about or a geographical location he didn't know. He was never one to talk about himself, but was interested on what was going on in your life instead. You had to pry a little to get him talking about his vast array of overseas experiences. He never made a visit to his brother Bill without taking something to him... magazines, newspapers, and those infamous donut holes. The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation for the dignity and honor displayed by the Veteran's Hospital in Kansas City. The respect, dedication, and compassion shown by all support staff toward Gib and his family was extremely comforting. A memorial service will be held at the Slade - O'Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2013 with Rev. Terry D. Roberts officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Lewisburg Cemetery, Wayne County, Iowa. Memorials may be given to the DAV, Disabled American Veterans, in his memory.
Contributor: SEP (48632359)