Rev. James August Boyd
Deceased: 2025-01-20
Diocese: BROOKLYN
ICTE Fall: 1996
Father James A. Boyd, Catholic priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, passed away on January 20, 2025 at the age of 88 at the V.A. hospital in La Jolla after a heroic battle with cancer and over 60 years of priestly ministry.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Father Jim was educated at Catholic schools and ordained a priest at St. Bernard’s Seminary in 1963. He later attained a Master of Divinity and a master’s degree in pastoral counseling in 1969.
Father Jim first worked as an associate pastor in parishes in Brooklyn before joining the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps in 1970. His naval career spanned more than 25 years and took him around the world: to the Philippines; to Point Mugu in Oxnard, California; to Rota, Spain; and eventually to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He then studied theology for a year at the North American College before heading to the San Diego Naval Base Coronado, where he eventually retired in 1996.
Father spent his retirement in San Diego helping various parishes and finding opportunities to serve. He began ministry in English- and Spanish-speaking Engaged Encounter, Marriage Encounter and Retrouvaille, helping countless couples to strengthen and even save their marriages-so much so that he wanted to be known as the “Divorce Buster.” Father Boyd also served as the chaplain for the Stella Maris Seafarer’s Center beginning in 2002, ministering to hundreds of sailors on the Dole ships also known as “pineapple and banana boats.” Father said Mass, heard confessions, built an entertainment center, and threw annual Christmas parties to the arriving sailors for more than 20 years.
Father Jim was incredibly active, maintaining a robust workout schedule with long distance swimming and walking, as well as skiing and kayaking. An avid reader, he was forever seen with a book and enjoyed keeping up with current events. Father Boyd was a champion for the unborn and counseled couples in crisis. He was fluent in Spanish and enjoyed ministering to the Latino community. He was active as a chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, helped Rachel’s Hope Ministry, participated in the Cursillo movement and led Quest retreats. Affectionately called the “Energizer Bunny” by his many friends, he loved his priestly ministries, which he continued until his stroke in March 2024. Although paralyzed on one side, Father worked hard with his physical therapy. His friendly smile was his trademark, and he welcomed the vast number of friends who visited him often at Nazareth House.
Father Jim will be remembered for his service to others, his humility and his great love for God and His people. He is survived by his nephew Ron Sarquiz of Montpelier, Vermont; his nephew Richard Sarquiz of North Hollywood, California; his niece Pam Gazani of Pensacola, Florida; and his nephew Robert Boyd of Washington, D.C. He is predeceased in death by his parents and his siblings Robert, Richard and Paulina.
Rest in Peace, Father Jim Boyd.
