James Boyle

December 29, 1923 – November 30, 2015 James Marion Boyle, 91, died peacefully Monday, November 30, 2015 at Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA. He was born in Tacoma on December 29, 1923 to Ethel M. and James F. Boyle. He spent some of his early boyhood in Mineral, WA. He had six siblings four of which predeceased him, Lester, Don, Richard, and Lyle. He is survived by his sister, Gardenia R. Williams, and brother, Vernon. He has three children, Mary N. Boyle of NH, Jeffrey M. Boyle and James M. Boyle of CA. He has several grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as many nephews and nieces. He worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Electron, WA before becoming a Merchant Marine seaman during World War II. Between trips to sea, he worked at the chrome plant and aluminum plant in Tacoma, and Ross Dam on the Skagit River. He also worked on the Northern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman. He enlisted in 1948 and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for thirty years. He was highly decorated and quickly rose in rank. When the Korean War started he was sent to Japan and on to Korea. He was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant while he served in Vietnam. He was a lifetime member of the VFW since his retirement in 1978 and member of The Elks since 1980. He loved to read, collect coins, and he was a rock hound. He had a great sense of humor and told interesting stories about his life. He spoke conversational phrases in Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and German sometimes in the same sentence. His outgoing personality, kindness, and generosity held the hearts of everyone he met. Arrangements are under the direction of Gaffney Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016, 11 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St. W, Tacoma, WA. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.