James (Bops) Robert Boyce's Obituary
James (Bops) Robert Boyce, age 95, of Oshkosh, died Friday February 8, 2019 at Bethel Home in Oshkosh. He was born in Oshkosh on January 8, 1924 the son of the late Joseph and Ellen (Molash) Boyce. Jim married Jacqueline Heinemann in St Peter’s Catholic Church in Oshkosh on August 28, 1948. She preceded him in death on June 16, 2016. He proudly served his country during WW II in the U. S. Navy, or as he liked to say, “my all expense paid trip to the South Pacific Islands”. Until the time of his retirement Jim held several sales positions in the millwork and factory supply industries. He was a member of St Jude the Apostle Catholic Church (Sacred Heart site), enjoyed snowmobiling, and in his earlier years, fishing. He was Cub Master of the Sacred Heart Cub Scouts for many years. He often remarked “I’m in Heaven on earth when surrounded by family”.
Jim is survived by two daughters; Jody Leuthold, and Jan (Greg Smith) Boyce. Three sons; James (Jayne) Boyce, Jon (Mary) Boyce, Joel ( Lisa) Boyce, all of Oshkosh. Ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one brother; Mike (Gen) Boyce, and one sister; Jane (Bob) Stenerson (thanks Auntie for being by his side almost every day he was at Bethel), of Oshkosh. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by infant son Jeffery Boyce, son-in-law Jim (Loopy) Leuthold, infant sister Jackie Boyce, and brothers, Joe, Justin, and Pat.
Dad was one in a million. He always found time to make each one of us five children feel we were special. From ice rinks, wooden sledding hills, go-carts, forts, and many items he built for us with his own hands, Dad always gave of himself freely and unconditionally. What we lacked in material goods was more than made up for by his endless love and caring. In short, we had a great childhood, thanks to our parents.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Bethel Home for the outstanding care and compassion given to our father during his stay.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday February 15, at 5:00 PM in St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church (Sacred Heart site) with the Rev Louis Golamari officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Friday from 3:00 PM until the hour of services.
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