James Robert "Jim" Boyd

James Robert Boyd, 101, passed away August 8, 2022 Jim Boyd, the son of James Arthur and Helen Troupe Boyd, began his remarkable life on January 3, 1921 in Long Beach, California. He grew up in Larned, Kansas, graduating high school in 1938, then on to the University of Kansas, pledging Phi Gamma Delta. On his 21st birthday in 1942 he enlisted in the Navy and after officer training school was assigned to PT Boat Squadron 28. He served in the Philippines, Borneo and Celebes as a Lieutenant. When World War II ended, he was assigned Commander of a minesweeper squadron. He then returned to KU, graduating law school in 1948. There he met and married Mary Margaret Morris from Wichita. He opened a law practice in Larned, bought, sold and managed farm ground, ran a grain elevator, got his pilot’s license under the GI bill, and served as Pawnee County attorney. He and Mary had three children - Tom, Mike & Martha. His banking career began when he and the Moffet family purchased the 1st National Bank in Larned. In 1967 the family moved to Wichita after he was recruited by Jordan Haines to join the Fourth National Bank as Senior Vice President, Real Estate Division. Jim always enjoyed his involvement with civic organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, School Board, Ft. Larned and Kiwanis in Larned; and he served on the Sedgwick County Zoo Board for 22 years - 8 years as President. After retiring from banking, he was a law partner at Fleeson Gooing Coulson & Kitch. Jim had an uncanny sense for the markets in real estate and agriculture, and combined with his prodigious reading, made good investments and offered sound advice to family members, such as “there is always another deal!” He was behind several major real estate developments in Wichita. After Mary passed away in 2007, Jim married their life-long friend Cora “Corky” Thayer of Hutchinson. They enjoyed five years together. Throughout all this time, Jim never stopped having fun with family, friends and his numerous fishing and hunting ‘play places’ - and for over 80 years never without his cigar. His love of life and generosity knew no bounds. He was known as Toppie to his grandchildren, all of whom he dearly loved. Toppie was famous for his early morning calls offering advice on all of life’s challenges. He had the gift of making everybody feel like a somebody. Jim is predeceased by his parents, sister Catherine, brother Robert, wives Mary and Corky, son-in-law Charles Gregg and nephews David & James Kauffman. He is survived by sons Thomas Boyd, Michael (Linda) Boyd, and daughter Martha Gregg; grandchildren Andrew (Emily) Boyd, Katherine (Brian) Elley, David (fiancée, Erin Goward) Boyd, John O’Rourke, Abigail (Hunter) Morris, and Will Gregg; his step-children Mike Thayer, Jane (Roger) McKee, & Susan (Kevin) Kienzle; nieces and nephews, James (Tracy) Boyd, Priscilla Kauffman, Elizabeth Kay (Margie), Carolyn McMurtry, and their children. His great-grandchildren are Sadie & Booker Boyd, Samantha & Michael Elley, and Dawson Boyd. The family extends gratitude to Denise Gerber and Teresa Grimes of Walter Morris & Son for their friendship and long time support given to Dad in his many endeavors. Five of the best to you, Toppie! Here’s hoping you can enjoy the things you love in the great beyond - family, friends, wheelin’ and dealin’, a fast-paced novel, good fishing, cigars, bacon, lots of butter and a strong scotch old-fashioned. You will always be in our hearts and minds with eternal love and gratitude. Donations in memory of Jim may be given to the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita KS 67212; or to the organization of your choice. Please join in a celebration of Jim’s life on Sunday, September 11, 1-3 p.m. at the Candle Club, 6135 E. 13th St., Wichita. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.