James Edward Boyd, 70, of Columbia, South Carolina, returned to his heavenly home on May 24, 2017. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. 

James, affectionately known as “Bro”, was born June 21, 1946 in Winnsboro, South Carolina to the late Robert and Martha Boyd. He graduated from McCrorey Liston High School in 1965. He attended Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina for two years, majoring in Biology with a minor in Music. In 1967, James was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was sent to Korea. After returning from Korea in 1969, he married Margaret Ann Davis. He then joined the National Guard Reserve and worked as a tailor in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. He rejoined the Army on an active duty basis in 1974, serving honorably for 25 years and retiring as an E7-Seargent First Class (SFC).  He always said that “He traveled around the world not once, not twice, but three times.”

James' talents were many; he was an extremely accomplished tailor, pianist (by ear), avid singer, choir director and cook. He loved his Refuge Temple church family, where he served as a deacon.

James enjoyed fishing, playing spades (champion) and getting the last word in an argument. He sometimes called you just to make you laugh and argue at the same time; everyone loved that about him.  All who knew him, loved his big beautiful smile, and bountiful laugh. His laughter felt like it could be heard miles away. James was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He opened up his heart, home and arms to many people over the years and will be sorely missed.  

In addition to his parents, James is predeceased by his youngest brother, Tony Boyd.   

James is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Boyd; his three sons: Petrore (Pierre), Lavell (Shaquita) and James Boyd, Jr.; one daughter, Shonna (Jefferson) Wagner; and eleven grandchildren: Chazmine Lee, Tara Boyd, Jalen Boyd, DeAsia Boyd, Jaren Boyd, Jeremiah Boyd, Nyema Wagner, James Boyd, Jr., Mylea Wagner, Jakobe Boyd and Kyrah Wagner  and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn his passing: ten brothers and sisters: Marjorie (Bobby) Cook, Jesse Boyd, Alvetta Young, Larry Boyd, Mary (Howard) Johnson, Charles (Barbara) Boyd, Gene Boyd, Timothy Boyd and Lizzy (Edwin) Jeffers, and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends.