It is with great sorrow that our family reports the loss of our treasured Jim. He was the fifth of thirteen children born to Helen (Simcox) and James Wilson Boyle Sr. Jim was the beloved husband, life partner, and best friend of Jaclyn (Ruff) for over 52 years. He and Jackie were blessed by and he is survived by their much loved and devoted son, Gregory Michael, and his deeply loved family—wife Cassandra, and Jim’s most precious granddaughters Claire and Rowan. This family was the heart and soul of Jim’s life. He will always be their devoted, loving Zayde or Zaza.
A life-long Chicago area resident, Jim graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes grammar school, St. George High School, and DePaul University, where he was a member of the French Honor Society and earned his M.B.A. with highest honors. After serving proudly in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Jim began a long and successful work life. He started his career at Allstate Insurance and then, prompted by his entrepreneurial spirit, left to open Fish City. He owned two tropical and saltwater fish pet stores and served as President of the Illinois Retail Pet Supply Association. Jim then went on to a career in office products, retiring as the Vice President of Merchandising for what is now Staples.
With innate intellect, generosity, quick wit, and love of a good joke, Jim shared his love of life with friends and family. He thrived on dedicated friendships reaching back to his grammar and high school days, Chase Park, his college fraternity Lambda Tau Lambda, and his years in business. He nurtured and cherished so many relationships that have endured for a lifetime.
Jim was kind and considerate, and his core value was to pursue what was just. He lived this value daily, showing empathy for those in need, and dedicating his time to many service organizations and charities. There are many people who say his service to them changed their lives.
Jim was a faithful and enthusiastic fan of the Chicago White Sox; for him, 2005 was a very good year. Besides the White Sox, he loved DePaul basketball and playing golf. Jim was also a patron of the arts -– he loved live theater and film, seeing about 100 films a year.
Jim was preceded in death by his siblings Neil, John, Veronica, Patricia, Paula, Dennis, Rita, and Patrick—Survivors include brothers Richard and Terrence survive, along with many much-loved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia (https://www.misericordia.com/), the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center (https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/), or your favorite charity are much appreciated. In addition, as Jim was felled by COVID-19 despite taking precautions to protect himself and his community, the family asks that all wear masks to honor his memory.
The services will be private. Later this year, arrangements will be made for a celebration of a life well-lived.
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