James Paul Boyce, known to many as Uncle Jim, formerly a resident of Waterbury, died on May 22, 2015, at Rutland Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born in Waitsfield on February 12, 1924, son of Mary Belle Maxwell and Sheridan George Boyce. He is predeceased by his siblings, Crawford, Robert and Roberta. He is survived by his niece, Sherrill Gould of Windsor, Vermont; his nephew, Dan Boyce of Brandon, Vermont; and five grandnieces and grandnephews.
He graduated from Waterbury High School in 1944.
He was denied admittance to the U.S. Army during WWII, an event of great disappointment to him. But, he successfully enlisted in 1950 and served with his local Army National Guard for three years, including a tour of duty in Germany.
He worked for Cooley Wright Manufacturing for a few years and then he moved on to work for Charles Davidson in his furniture-making business for many years. He also worked for Brothers Building Company.
He was a loyal member of the Masons for 70 years. He was active in the American Legion for decades, serving in various positions including commander of Post 59 in Waterbury. He was a strong supporter of the Legion’s citizenship programs.
As a woodworker he was highly skilled and largely self-taught. He always enjoyed a good problem to solve. Of course, the process was most of the fun.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post 59 for the support of its citizenship programs: P.O. Box 417, Waterbury, VT 05676; (802) 244-8144.
Services will be held at 4 p.m. at Rusty Parker Memorial Park in Waterbury on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Rain location will be the Methodist Church.
He was rarely without a smile on his face and always deeply appreciative of his good fortune in life.
