James Russell Boyd

James Russell Boyd, known to all as "Rusty," was born on August 26, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, to Raymond Lee Boyd and Shirley Mae (Hayes) Boyd. His early years were spent in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, though the pull of family roots would eventually draw him to Oklahoma, where his father Raymond Lee had been born on June 24, 1932. Raymond Lee's own story reflected the service and sacrifice of his generation—he had served in the United States Air Force from May 8, 1951, to November 2, 1953, during the early years of the Cold War.

The Boyd family's heritage stretched back through centuries of Scottish history. Their lineage traced to Sir Robert Boyd, known as "Robert the Fair," who first appeared in Scottish records around 1205 as a witness to contracts in Ayrshire. The family's American branch began with James Boyd, the tenth child of Robert Boyd, who was born on May 3, 1732, in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and emigrated to America in 1756, eventually settling in Newbury, Massachusetts. There, this ancestral James married Susanna Coffin on August 11, 1757, establishing the Boyd lineage that would eventually reach the American West.

Rusty's childhood in Denver gave way to a move to Oklahoma, where the Boyd family established their roots in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. This relocation connected Rusty to his father's homeland and positioned him within a community that would become central to his identity. By the mid-1970s, the family was well-established in Oklahoma City, as evidenced by his brother Larry Lee Boyd's residence at 922 NW 32nd Street. Tragically, Larry Lee died in 1978 at just twenty-five years of age, with services held at Hunter Funeral Home and burial at Rose Hill Cemetery. This early loss of his brother, when Rusty was only seventeen, must have profoundly shaped his understanding of life's fragility and the importance of family bonds.

As an adult, Rusty made his home in Choctaw, Oklahoma, a community on the eastern edge of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. It was there that he built the family that would become the center of his world. He married Sherry Ann Boyd, whom the family described as "the love of his life." Together, they created a household filled with love, laughter, and shared activities that strengthened their bond. Rusty and Sherry particularly enjoyed playing bingo together, finding joy in this simple pleasure that became a regular part of their routine.

Rusty's role as a father was one of his greatest sources of pride. He was blessed with four children: a son, Larry Boyd, who married Mellissa; and three daughters—Lisa Boyd, who married her wife Jenna, Kayla Boyd, and Trina Parham. The naming of his son Larry honored the memory of his brother who had died so young, ensuring that the name would continue within the family line. Rusty's acceptance and support of his daughter Lisa's marriage to Jenna reflected his open heart and unconditional love for his children, embracing them exactly as they were.

The Boyd family grew to encompass four generations during Rusty's lifetime. He became grandfather to nine grandchildren and great-grandfather to at least two great-grandchildren, creating a legacy that extended far beyond his own years. However, this joy was tempered by grief when his granddaughter Maya Ellissa-Kay Boyd preceded him in death, a loss that touched the entire family deeply.

Throughout his life, Rusty maintained strong connections with his surviving siblings. His brother Jackie Boyd and sister-in-law Stephanie, along with his sister Calena DeBoard, remained important parts of his extended family network. The bonds forged in childhood endured through decades, strengthened by shared experiences and mutual support through life's challenges and celebrations.

Rusty's recreational interests reflected his love for both competition and fellowship. He was passionate about playing softball and golf with family members, turning these activities into opportunities for bonding across generations. Golf, in particular, became a regular pursuit that allowed him to combine his love of the outdoors with quality time spent with those he cherished most. These sporting activities weren't just about the games themselves but about creating memories and maintaining connections with his children and grandchildren.

Perhaps most distinctive among Rusty's interests was his love of motorcycle riding, which he shared with his brothers and nephews. This passion connected him to a broader community of riders and represented the adventurous spirit that characterized much of his approach to life. The motorcycle rides weren't just recreational outings but expressions of freedom, brotherhood, and the joy of shared adventure that strengthened the bonds between the men in the Boyd family.

Faith played an important role in Rusty's life and community connections. He was associated with Grace Bible Church in Choctaw, which would later host his memorial service. This religious community provided him with spiritual grounding and connected him to a network of neighbors and friends who shared his values and supported one another through life's journey.

Those who knew Rusty best remembered him as someone who consistently put others before himself. The family noted that "He was always caring for others above himself," a characteristic that defined his relationships and approach to life. This selfless nature manifested in countless small acts of kindness and support, whether helping a family member through a difficult time, volunteering for community activities, or simply being present when others needed him most.

As Rusty entered his later years, he faced the inevitable losses that come with age. His parents, Raymond Lee and Shirley Mae, preceded him in death, as did his brothers Larry Lee and Ronnie Ray Boyd. These losses deepened his appreciation for the time he had with his surviving family members and reinforced his commitment to making the most of every moment with those he loved.

On March 30, 2026, Rusty's earthly journey came to an end at the age of sixty-four. He was surrounded by his loved ones, including Sherry, his beloved wife, ensuring that his final moments were filled with the love and connection that had characterized his entire life. His passing marked the end of a life well-lived—a life dedicated to family, characterized by generosity and love, and enriched by the simple pleasures of friendship, recreation, and community.

In the aftermath of his death, the family established a fundraising campaign to support Sherry, reflecting even in their grief the caring nature that Rusty had modeled throughout his life. His memorial service was held at Grace Bible Church in Choctaw, where the community gathered to celebrate his life and mourn his passing. OK Cremation & Funeral Home, LLC, provided the final services, helping the family through the practical arrangements during their time of grief.

James Russell "Rusty" Boyd's legacy lives on through his wife Sherry, his four children, nine grandchildren, and the beginning of a great-grandchild generation that will carry forward his genes, his values, and the memory of a man who understood that life's greatest treasures are found in the love we share with one another. His story represents the best of American family life—rooted in tradition, strengthened by love, and always focused on the welfare of others above oneself.