James R. "Jim" Boyer, Sr.

The family of James R. Boyer, Sr., 82, of Centennial, Colorado, sadly announces that our dear Jim passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Littleton Adventist Hospital.

James, also known to friends and family as “Jim” or “Bud” was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1941.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Irma and Harry A. Boyer, Jr., of Elmwood, Illinois, and his first wife Roberta Brown.  He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Sandra, along with his daughter, Katherine (Aaron Strader) Sikora of Bargersville, Indiana, and son, James R. Boyer, Jr. of Peoria Heights, Illinois, along with grandchildren Alexa (Cain) Anliker, Austin Sikora, Tiffany (Andrew) Hockenbury, and Seth Boyer.  Great-grandchildren include Ethan, Natalie, Allison, Camren and Alayna Hockenbury.  Jim is also survived by sister Joan (Evan) Harer and brother Donald (Sherry) Boyer, and nieces Dusty, Kim, and Kendra and nephew Kevin.  Numerous same-age cousins with whom Jim grew up also survive.  He was an honest, God-fearing man who loved his interaction with family and friends. 

Jim grew up on a farm in rural central Illinois.  He learned early on the value of hard work, dedication, discipline and helping others.  He advocated getting the job done properly on the first attempt. 

He graduated from Farmington Community High School in 1959.  While there, he participated in football, track, cross-country, and was student council president.  He continued his education at Western Illinois University, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity.

Jim spent his early adult life in Illinois, managing a W.T. Grant department store in Peoria.  Thereafter, he became a pharmaceutical representative for Bristol Myers and later a representative for various construction manufacturers before entering the labor world of construction in Colorado in the early 1980s.  Jim loved working with wood and became a skilled carpenter, working with several Denver-based construction companies before starting his own construction company, specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels.  Jim retired from construction in 2003, putting his woodworking skills to use, making wooden trains, bird houses, sleighs, rocking horses and such as gifts for his grandchildren. 

Jim and Sandy enjoyed the mountains of Colorado, specifically at their cabin in Pike National Forest.  They spent many, many weekend hours there, surrounded by God’s nature and the mountain solitude and serenity.  It was one of their favorite places to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

On the day Jim retired, he signed himself and wife Sandy up for country-western dance lessons.  Subsequently, they both joined the Littleton Elks Lodge #1650 in order to have a place to dance each week.  Jim went on to become an avid Elks Ritual advocate, Officer of the Year, an Exalted Ruler, a District Deputy and a State Trustee with the Elks organization.  He enjoyed mentoring younger officers, and he and his wife made many friends there, some of whom became their best friends. 

Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed motorcycles, old cars, woodworking, gardening, camping and, later, dancing.  He especially enjoyed dancing the waltz and the Cowboy Cha-Cha, and loved to surprise others by wearing his “Willie braids.”  He had a wonderful sense of humor (as did his mother), and bright blue eyes that sparkled when he laughed.  Like his father before him, Jim was a kind, caring and humble man, loved by so many, near and far.  He will indeed be missed by so, so many!!

It was Jim’s desire to be cremated.  A short memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at noon, at the Littleton Elks Lodge at 5749 S. Curtice Street, Littleton, Colorado. 

In lieu of flowers, should you desire, Jim’s family suggests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Littleton Elks Lodge #1650 at 5749 S. Curtice Street, Littleton, Colorado  80120.  Please mark in the memo section of your check “Boyer – Ritual Team.”  The family thanks you for your support!