James "Jim" Curtis Boyce

An avid cowboy of the skies, James “Jim” Curtis Boyce – devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend – went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, the 20th of September 2025.

Born to Margaret Owen Curtis Boyce and John Kirkpatrick Boyce, Sr., in Amarillo, Texas, Jim was descended from a long line of cattle ranchers, storytellers, and cowboys going back before the Texas Revolution. His maternal grandfather and great-grandfather were among the early cattlemen of West Texas and New Mexico. His great-grandfather, the legendary William Riley “Bill” Curtis, was a pioneer cattleman of the Diamond Tail Ranch and a rider of the Chisholm Trail before joining Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving on their newly formed trail westward up to the Rockies. These rugged trailblazers shaped Jim’s sense of grit, honor, and determination – traits he carried throughout his life.

The youngest of three children, Jim was a passionate outdoorsman from an early age. He attended Camp Cheley in Colorado, later returning as a counselor to lead campers in horseback riding, backpacking, and hiking. At 16 he earned the Boy Scout’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. That accomplishment, as his father promised, allowed him to attain his private pilot’s license.

Jim was raised in a home where service and duty were deeply valued. His father, John, was called to duty during WWI, entering as a private, but quickly promoted to the rank of captain for his leadership abilities. He was awarded both the Silver Star by his nation and the Croix de Guerre by the Government of France for his heroic service in action. His mother was a registered genealogist and an active leader and member of the Junior League and the Red Cross. From his parents, Jim inherited a love of country, civic duty, and chivalry – values that would remain central to his character all his days.

Always looking skyward, the cockpit became his sanctuary, and he knew his calling would be in aviation. Though offered a candidacy at the Naval Academy, Jim chose to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business, and was an active member of the fraternity Phi Delta Theta and Naval ROTC. After graduation, he followed the family tradition of military service and joined the United States Navy, where he served proudly, piloting an A-4 Skyhawk single-seat attack bomber until 1962.

On Memorial Day 1958, Jim’s sister introduced him to Anne Stuart Dryden on a blind date in Waco, Texas. That December 23rd, they wed at the chapel where Jim was stationed at Moffett Field in California. Together they welcomed two children, Anne Stuart and Dryden Kirkpatrick. Jim and Anne’s love affair was a partnership of nearly seven decades – a testament to their devotion and shared adventure.

After joining the family business, Williams Boyce Insurance Agency, as an Independent Insurance Agent, Jim earned the prestigious Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. Like his father and elder brother before him, he built a career marked by integrity and trust, developing and maintaining long-term professional relationships with insurance companies, employees, colleagues, and the multi-generational clients of Williams Boyce Agency. These enduring partnerships were a true measure of his professional success.

An avid sportsman, Jim loved skiing, golf, tennis, hunting, and fishing. He was also deeply involved in his community as a natural leader, serving as both a board member and president of the Kiwanis Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Goodwill Industries, Palo Duro Savings and Loan, the Red Cross, and many others.

In retirement, Jim and Anne moved to their beloved Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they resided for ten joyful years before relocating to San Antonio to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Honest to a fault and a straight shooter, Jim lived with integrity, quiet grace, and honor – the hallmarks of a life well-lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Owen Curtis Boyce and John Kirkpatrick Boyce Sr.; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Cannon Boyce and Spencer Neville Brown; brother and sister-in-law, John Kirkpatrick, Jr. and Sidney Stinnett Boyce; and son-in-law, Lee Marvin Folkes.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Anne Stuart Dryden Boyce; his daughter Anne Stuart Boyce Folkes, his son Dryden Kirkpatrick and Alison Nutt Boyce; and his grandchildren, Anne Stuart Folkes, Leland Palmer Folkes, James Kirkpatrick “Patrick” Boyce, and Parker Ellis Boyce.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Bradley Kayser and JC Nursing Specialists, whose care allowed Jim to thrive in comfort and love with his beloved wife.

Funeral services will be held at Llano Cemetery on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo. In honor of Jim’s allegiance to the Texas Longhorns, please wear burnt orange.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s’ & Neurodegenerative Diseases or to a charity of your choice.