Boyer, James M.

James M. Boyer, 78 of 4535 Westchester Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Services at 11 a.m. Friday at Knox Presbyterian Church. Jim's childhood friend, the Rev. John Rosenberg, will officiate. Burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra; and two sons, Barry (Gilda) and Bret (Michele), all of Cedar Rapids.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Erik Boyer, Lauren Boyer, Greg (Cassie) Heyl, Tazia (Mandy) Heyl-Gilbert and Jake Heusing; a great-grandson, Brantley Heyl; and his great friend and brother in life, Frank Bittner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by an infant son.

Jim was born Nov. 18, 1934, in Cedar Rapids the son of A.T. “Bud” and Margaret “Billie” Brown Boyer. He married Sandra S. Wright on Feb. 9, 1959 in Vinton. After graduating from Coe College, Jim served in the U.S. Air Force, which took he and Sandy across the United States and to Morocco. He was proud of his military service and loved the U.S.A.

Returning to Iowa, Jim joined Collins Radio, where he spent his career working with many wonderful people, retiring as the director of Personnel Services in 1992. Jim was fortunate to retire at age 58, and became a devoted full time grandpa, a role which he embraced and which brought him great joy. Grandpa Jim never hesitated to stop what he was doing to help his grandchildren. He spent many hours in all kinds of weather watching soccer matches and taking them fishing and hunting. He was able to spend his retirement doing what he loved - woodworking and tending his trees and gardens. He was very proud of his family and was always there to lend a hand in whatever project needed to be done. His family was very proud of how he spent his final years before Alzheimer's left only the shell of a decent man. His generosity and sense of humor will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Trees Forever, or plant a tree in Jim's memory.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Boyer family at under obituaries.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Iowa Veteran's Home, who provide the dignified care our veterans deserve for their service and sacrifice to our country.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 22, 2013.