James Boyse

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at First Baptist Church for Jimmy Boyse of Artesia, NM.

Ty Houghtaling will officiate at the services. Burial will follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Park.

Jimmy (James Benton) Boyse was born on September 1, 1938 in Moody, Texas; the son of J.B. Boyse and Celia Williams Boyse. Jimmy came to Artesia in 1960 from Texas. He married Cykeitha Aaron on June 8, 1961. She preceded him in death on November 15, 2016.

Jimmy was an avid sports fan, especially of the Bulldogs and Lady Dogs. In the past he has announced Girls Softball games and Bulldog Baseball and football games. He was the statistician for KSVP radio for Bulldog football games. He has participated in 6th grade football, the Golden Gloves Boxing Program, Babe Ruth, elementary girls basketball, Upward Basketball, men's softball, and he also coached a ladies softball team.

He has served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 27, and Soap Box Derby Director.
He was past president of SENM Fire Association, Men's Fastpitch Association and First Aid Chairmand of the American Red Cross Chapter in Artesia. He was recognized by Red Cross for exemplary dedication and service at the State Red Cross Meeting in 1997. He was on the board of NM International Association of Arson invesitgators, EMS Region 3, local Emergency Commission, and Eddy Co. Emergency Management Association. He has been a member of the American Heart Association and United Way.

Jimmy worked for the Artesia Fire Department for 34 years. He served as Captain. He was a lifetime member of the NM Firefighters Association. He served as city fire marshal and arson investigator. He has been a multi-media and cardio pulmonary recitation instructor. He retired from the fire department in 1996. He was a city councilman, served on the board of AVTC, DWI task force, Habitat for Humanity, Crime Stoppers, Drug and Gang Coalition, and Artesia Emergency Relief.

Jimmy was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a sunday school teacher and director. He also worked with the youth group, children, First Priority and Teen CBS. He was also an ordained minister.

Jimmy was recognized as an Unsung Hero in 2000, by the Artesia Chamber of Commerce as Associate of the year in 2003 and by Living Treasure in 2006.

He loved people young and old, and was a very caring and giving man.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother.

Survivors include his sons Benny Boyse and wife Kathy of Artesia, Rex Boyse and wife Esther of Weatherford, Texas; a sister Nan Clayton and husband Jack of Artesia; granddaughters Jocelyn Boyse, Hannah Boyse, Crystal Boyse and Cassidy Boyse; and by several nieces and nephews.