James W. Boyer, age 73, of Waupaca, WI passed away on Wednesday, December 5th, 2012 at Appleton Medical Center, in the arms of his beloved wife, Joyce and surrounded by his children and family.
Jim married Joyce D. Darrah on June 25, 1960 in Chicago, Il. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca and a member of the Waupaca Knights of Columbus. Over the years, Jim belonged to the Waupaca Jaycees, Waupaca Lions, was President of the Waupaca Booster Club and Business Chairman of the United Way. Jim owned Boyer Plumbing for over 35 years and was also owner of Jim’s Waupaca Car Wash.
His first love was helping others in the community through government. He served as Waupaca Mayor for eight years, from 1986 to 1994. He was instrumental in many accomplishments during this period including the building of the Waupaca City Hall/Library, the expansion of Highway 10 to four lanes, and the development of the West Fulton Street annexation and hotel /shopping areas. On December 31, 1999 Jim Boyer was named “Waupaca’s Mayor of the Century” by the Appleton Post Crescent. Jim served the Waupaca Community as 5th and 10th Ward Alderman for 16 years, and until his death he held the seat next to his daughter, Alderman Deborah Fenske on the City Council. In addition, he was elected three times to the Waupaca County Board where he served as 11th district Supervisor. Jim also was an officer with the Waupaca Police Department for five years.
Jim Boyer loved people and enjoyed life every day. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren and family. He and Joyce loved to travel and saw 48 of our 50 states, by car or motor home. Jim was a larger than life man with a wonderful sense of humor and a passion for helping others. He brought fun and enjoyment where ever he went and touched many lives. He will be missed.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Boyer, Waupaca, WI; children, Deborah (Steve) Fenske, Waupaca, WI; Robert (Jan) Boyer, Mequon, WI; Thomas (Gina) Boyer, Kiel, WI; grandchildren, Brett, Christian and Alyssa Boyer, Mequon, WI; Allison and Daniel Boyer, Kiel, WI; sisters and brothers, Barbara (Douglas) Avgerinos, Waupaca, WI; Theodore (Marcia) Boyer, Milwaukee, WI; Joan (Rich) Myers, Burr Ridge, Il; Jack (Jeanine) Darrah, Naperville IL; Jim (Maribeth) Darrah, Hickory Hills Il; Sue (John) Carroll, Tinley Park, Il; Sharon (Mike) Coogan, Janesville, WI and Francine Darrah, St. Charles, Il. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irene Boyer, in-laws, Paul and Adele Darrah and a nephew, David Myers.
A celebration of his life Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca at 10 AM on Saturday, December 29th, 2012. Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, December 28th from 4 until 8 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and on Saturday, at the church, from 8:30 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the name of James Boyer for donations to several organizations.