James Herbert Boyd

Jim was born on September 12, 1951, in Chicago, IL to the late Robert and Mary Boyd. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in communications and would later move on to receive a certificate from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Jim worked for Aramark for over 30 years and eventually retired as a District Manager.

Jim is remembered as an intelligent, kind-hearted, and generous man, who loved his three daughters and grandchildren more than anything else. He was an amazing chef who loved to joke about working for the “CIA”, as he attended the Culinary Institute of America. He found joy in cooking and sharing that passion with loved ones. Known for his sense of humor as well as his love of music and history, Jim was a true storyteller who enjoyed sharing photos and tales of family and historical events. Many would frequently reach out to Jim for advice and guidance as he had a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics. Later in his life, Jim took up the hobby of woodworking and built himself a beautiful woodworking shop in his home garage. He enjoyed making all sorts of unique creations and sharing them with others. He also enjoyed spending his days with his Sphinx cat named, Kit~cat, after his favorite candy bar.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Frances Boyd, father, Robert Edward Boyd, and son, Andrew James Boyd. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Stout (Rob) of Cary, NC; Melissa DuBree (Eric) of Bettendorf, IA; and Katie Boyd (Brianne) of Chapel Hill, NC; and grandchildren; Rilee, Brayden, Kailyn, Evan, Liam, Vada, and Stevie.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 4:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home. James will be laid to rest at Wake Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be donated to AlAnon Family Groups or the American Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of condolences can be shared online at apexfuneral.net for the Boyd family.