James Allen Boyce

James Allen Boyce, 87, of Lowell, Ohio died on July 31, 2026, due to post-surgical complications. He was born in Marietta on October 30, 1938 to the late Jacob and Helen Boyce.
He is survived by his wife, Linda E. Buchanan Boyce (married in Gatlinburg, TN on July 16, 1999), five children; Kevin Boyce, Fresno, CA, Erin Boyce, Marietta, OH, Shea Slebodnik (Danny), Gibsonia, PA, Meghan Fettis and Micah Boyce, both of Pittsburgh, PA, and three grandchildren; Christopher Hill, Grace Fettis and Douglas Slebodnik all of Pittsburgh; two stepchildren; Mindy Cayton and Tim O’Grady, both of Marietta, OH; two step-grandchildren; Erica Marcum (John) and Morgan Rudell (Brian) and three step great-grandchildren; Henry Marcum, Hayes Marcum and Peter Rudell all of Columbus, OH.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jacob L. Boyce; his mother, Helen M. Dotson; his sister, Sandra K. Leasure; and a brother, Gary E. Boyce.
He graduated from Marietta High School in 1955. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1956 receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Lance Corporal (E-3) in June 1962. He was a member of the Sgt. Bob O’Malley Marine Corps League #1436.
He made his career as an electrical and lighting design consultant in California; owning a business in Pittsburgh and then returning to Marietta where he was employed by and retired from Crescent Sprague.
Jim’s passion was cars, spending hours restoring them bringing them back to working order and shined to perfection. In later years he applied the same passion to tractors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting often telling stories about the hunting camp he attended with his uncle in Newport. He loved sharing stories about youthful hijinks with his buddies as well as adventures he had during his USMC days.
Jim Boyce loved life and he lived it large. He was a husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, neighbor and friend to many. He was there to help when someone was in need.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial will be held on August 23 at 1:00 pm at VFW Post 5108 on Pike Street in Marietta, OH. Military honors will be conducted by the Sgt. Bob O’Malley Marine Corps League #1436.
His family sends thanks to everyone for the outpouring of support; the cards and well-wishes received over the past month. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you help someone in need. A small gift of kindness, whether a task or just a greeting and smile in remembrance of him.