Obituary

Jeffrey Boyd
September 5, 1956 - October 21, 2019

Jeffrey Boyd

Jeffrey Boyd
Sep 5, 1956 - Oct 21, 2019

Jeffrey Boyd
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Jeffrey Julian Boyd, 63, passed from this world into the arms of his loving Savior, on October 21, 2019. A gathering of friends and family will be an hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Saturday November 2, at Christ Community Church 5501 George Washington Carver Ave, Ames, IA with food and fellowship to follow.
Born September 5, 1956, to Julian and Marilyn Mehrle Boyd, Jeff grew up in Caruthersville, MO. In his youth, his life revolved around church, family, farm work, school, and sports. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at an early age and grew up a bright, kind young man. He played basketball in high school and like his dad before him and two brothers after him, football. A football scholarship took him to KY and Murray State University in 1974 where he was a defensive tackle for the Murray State Racers and a physical education major, but it was a chance encounter on a Murray racquetball court that redirected his life. A physician, new to the western KY area, was looking for racquetball opponents. He was put in contact with Jeff. After getting to know Jeff through the game, he asked him to just "consider" medicine as a career. Jeff said "after getting up off the floor from laughing", he did start to think about it as a possibility. His first step in that direction was a job at nearby Mayfield Community Hospital as an orderly "to make sure he liked sick people". At the hospital, he met Sandy, an RN in the ICU where he worked. They struck up a friendship and soon, Sandy started getting to work early for her night shift and Jeff started staying a little longer after his afternoon shift ended. They were married in 1980. Shortly thereafter, Jeff started medical school at the University of Missouri in Columbia. After graduating in 1985, he did his internal medicine residency and a cardiology fellowship at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. Jeff and Sandy's two children, Leah Beth and Andy, were born during that period in 1985 and 1989, respectively. In 1990, Jeff began his life long career with Iowa Heart Center starting in the Des Moines, IA, office and finishing in Ames.
The move to Ames came in 1994 when he agreed to start up an Iowa Heart Center clinic there. Others soon joined the Ames office and the practice flourished. Jeff loved his work, his co-workers, and his patients. He took genuine interest in the lives of the people who trusted him for their cardiac care and became close with many of them. He was known around the office for his good nature, pure humor, and a series of sayings he coined that became known as "Dr. Boyd-isms". In the 2000s, Jeff became involved with a ministry to Mongolia and made several trips there to teach echocardiography to Mongolian cardiologists. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2009, he was forced by his health to slow down his work and his travels and finally take early retirement in 2014. Though out of the office, he remained in the hearts of the people who worked there and they remained in his.
Surprised and saddened as he was by the Parkinson's diagnosis and early retirement, Jeff never despaired, and God soon made his new plan for Jeff's life apparent. He became involved in the Matthew 25 House ministry here in Ames. Matthew 25 House ministers to men recently released from prison who want to turn their lives around through a committed relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeff was passionate about the time he spent working on behalf of Matthew 25 House and especially about his time spent mentoring the residents there. He sometimes wondered if that had been his true calling all along.
Those who knew Jeff know about his strong faith, his great love for his wife and children and grandchildren...all of whom he was very proud of (if you worked with him, you've heard about their accomplishments and seen pictures), his love of medicine and its practice, his concern for the down-trodden, and his affinity for sweet, corny jokes. He enjoyed fly-fishing for the sport and because, in Jeff's words, "trout don't live in ugly places". He was especially fond of The Big Horn river area in Montana and cherished the times he spent with family and friends there. Jeff enjoyed most food and all kinds of restaurants...the food network was a TV staple...but his very favorite things to eat were anything bar-be-qued (think burnt ends) and all things chocolate or chocolate-chipped, and of course, his mom's famous gingerbread men. He also enjoyed music of all genres but especially liked classical and jazz. New York City was his favorite place to visit because in addition to all the sites to see and culture to experience, the food and music opportunities are practically endless.
The three weeks prior to his passing were spent first in the hospital and then at the Hospice house here in Ames. During that time, he was continually surrounded by family and friends that felt like family. His last big smile and eye twinkle were generated by a group of Iowa Heart nurses reciting Dr. Boyd-isms. The last meal he was able to eat ended with an Iowa Heart nurse homemade chocolate chip cookie. His last afternoon on this earth was spent listening to son Andy play classical guitar, and though Jeff was neither able to open his eyes nor speak as he listened, the look of peace and pleasure on his face was strikingly evident to all present.
Jeff his survived by his wife Sandy, his daughter Leah Beth (John) Golladay of Knoxville, TN, his son Andy (Katie Sergio) Boyd, of Ames, IA, grandchildren JB and Olivia Golladay of Knoxville, TN. Also surviving him are his mother Marilyn Boyd, Caruthersville, MO, younger brothers David (Julie) Boyd of Portageville, MO, and Doug (Peggy) Boyd of Caruthersville, MO, and younger sister Julie (Jeff) Paschall of Gainesville, GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any remembrances be in the form of gifts to the Matthew 25 House, via PO Box 1906, Ames, IA, 50010

The family would like to thank all of you who have shown us so much love and support over the course of Jeff's illness and especially over the last three weeks of his life. To all of you at Mary Greeley Medical Center and the Israel Hospice House, your care for Jeff was so loving, so tender, and so respectful...it was phenomenal and so moving to witness. And finally to Dr. Hallberg, words can't express how grateful we are for the attentive and caring way you've treated Jeff all these years. As much as I love animals, I'm so glad you forewent veterinary medicine for the human kind.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Steven E. Owens on Nov 1, 2019

Boyd family I'm so sadden by the news of the passing of Jeff. Things were tough growing up in c,ville. One day things just weren't right some guys were trying to make trouble I looked up and there was Big Jeff. He truly was great guy he always treated as a little brother .I know he will be miss I have all of you in my prayers. Much Love Steve Owens

Nancy Champion Sullivan on Oct 31, 2019

Jeff and I attended church camp in New Mexico in 1973. Our church bus broke down in the desert so they sent another bus from the camp to pick us up. We both had to fly home early as we had to attend Boys and Girls state in Missouri. Mrs. Boyd picked us up at the airport in Memphis and took us to eat. Then we both had to leave the next day for other trip. We had a lot of fun at church camp. I grew up with Jeff in church and also graduated with him in 1974 . May God be with your family !!!❤️❤️

Nancy Champion Sullivan on Oct 31, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with the Boyd Family !!!🙏🙏🙏

Nancy Eckley on Oct 29, 2019

Dr Boyd was one of a kind for sure. I was never a patient of his but i trusted him to take care of one of the most important person in my life, my Mama. I lost my Mama 3 years ago so i am sure shes sharing gardening things with Dr Boyd already
To Dr. Boyds family, Thanks for sharing your husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother with all of us. If you met Dr. Boyd once thats all it took

William C. Hamilton Sr. on Oct 29, 2019

Dr Jeffery Boyd was my heart Doctor for many years in Ames. He was always very attentive.
I respected his decisions regarding my heart care. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends. God bless.

Jim Bever on Oct 28, 2019

I worked as a nurse at MGMC and knew Dr. Boyd and remember him as a very intelligent and kind, loving gentle man. He will surely be greatly missed.
Jim Bever, Boone

Clanice Waters on Oct 28, 2019

Dr Boyd will truly be missed. He was always kind and gentle. It was an honor to know him. May the Lord wrap his family in his loving embrace and keep his memories alive in their hearts.

Lucinda on Oct 28, 2019

Dr Boyd was a good Dr and a very nice man

Kathy Bever on Oct 27, 2019

A wonderful doctor but more importantly, a wonderful human being. He took care of me many years ago. My prayers to all of you at this time of grief. I'm praying you will feel God's arms of comfort around you.

Mary Eller on Oct 27, 2019

Dr. Boyd was my doctor. He was so kind and caring. He always made time for all my questions. I know how much he will be missed.
Mary Eller

Phyllis muse on Oct 27, 2019

Dr. Boyd was one of a kind. I worked with him in Boone, he also took care of my father as well as myself. Always the professional. He not only respected each and every patient, he respected every co-worker as the individual they were. I have too many stories to share, so I will just add, my like was so much richer knowing this gentleman.

Marilyn Van Pelt on Oct 27, 2019

My sincere sympathy to Dr. Boyd's family, friends, and coworkers. I am so sorry for your loss. He is leaving a huge hole in many hearts because he touched so many people.
I used to work as an RN at Boone County Hospital and had the pleasure of meeting and working with him. His gentle and caring soul radiated over his patients reassuring them he would take care of them, and they would visibly calm down. They felt that they had a good and caring Dr. who listened to them, but also had met a new friend, and things were going to be okay.
Being a fairly new nurse I always had questions, (why this?, how does it work?). He was such a good teacher, always willing to explain and teach. He made a difference in my career, giving me new knowledge to consider when caring for my patients. I will always be grateful to him for this.
I also loved and appreciated his sense of humor. Peoples spirits were lifted when he was around!

With thoughts and prayers,
Marilyn Van Pelt RN

Nealy Mortvedt on Oct 26, 2019

I'm grateful for reading about Dr Boyd, such a great man. Very sorry to lose him.

Jennifer Clubine on Oct 26, 2019

I worked with Dr Boyd at Mary Greeley and Boone both. One -ism I remember is him calling something "a funny looking rhythm". He said you can't always nail down everything because each person is unique. He proved the saying about a gentle giant, his heart was as big as the world.

Tina HRker on Oct 26, 2019

DrBoyd was a wonderful physician and caring human being. He was the first cardiologist I seen at Iowa Heart Center. When he moved to Ames I would get sent to the Ames office to work with the front staff. While there if Dr Boyd was in the office he would always make a point to day hi. And he never forgot my name. On one of my visits, toward the end of his time in the office, he was so excited to show me his grandbabies. You will be missed by do many people Dr. Boyd! Rest in peace!

Kelly Donato on Oct 26, 2019

Dr Boyd was a true gentleman that showed that grace everyday. He was such a kind and gentle soul with such a big heart. I fondly remember attending a conference with him in New York where he directed where we all went to listen to some amazing music in some of the most unsuspecting places. I still think about that trip so fondly. Peace and blessings to the Boyd family .

Kathy Luetje on Oct 25, 2019

Dr. Boyd started at Iowa Heart the same month I did (June 1990). As a transcriptionist, I transcribed his dictations. He was so enjoyable to work with. One of his Boyd-isms I recall would be him ending his dictations every time with "JJB over and out." Dr. Boyd, your life was a blessing to the many patients you served and staff you worked with. Well done good and faithful servant. Blessings to the Boyd family.

Magdi Ghali on Oct 25, 2019

Jeff filled every space he occupied with a kind presence and a warm smile...the space he leaves will not be easily filled...our hope is in the savior that he clearly loved...

Mary O’Connor on Oct 25, 2019

Dr Boyd was an outstanding cardiologist and dear man. He always answered my questions respectfully and kindly. I will always miss him and his unique way with patients. It was a privilege to have known him and learn so much from him. Prayers to all those he loved so dearly.

Launa Corey on Oct 25, 2019

So sorry to hear of his passing. He was my cardiologist and one of the most compassionate and caring doctors. RIP

Lisa on Oct 25, 2019

Dr. Boyd always had a warm smile and kind word to offer to everyone. As a nurse, it is not often one can sincerely say that this or that physician was never grumpy or cross when under stress. They have a very stressful job - we understand! Dr. Boyd was one of the very few who reflected patience, kindness and compassion to EVERYONE - patients, families, staff. He was very much beloved and missed when his practice moved outside of Mary Greeley, and I know he is very much beloved and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Very heartfelt prayers to all of the family. He was a wonderful physician and a wonderful person

Michelle johnson on Oct 25, 2019

I have known and worked with Dr Boyd since he started in Ames ! He had taken my son under his wing and they became fishing buddies when my son was 10 , he’s 18 today and I am so glad to have had such a kind gentle man mentoring my son ! I am so glad he is at peace but my heart sure does hurt ! I had the pleasure of sitting with him in his last days of life and so grateful for that time . Love you forever JJB ❤️❤️ Michelle and Carson johnson

LarryClatt on Oct 25, 2019

Very nice man!

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Nov
2
Saturday
Christ Community Church
5501 George Washington Carver Ave
Ames, Iowa 50010
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM


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Nov
2
Saturday
Christ Community Church
5501 George Washington Carver Ave
Ames, Iowa 50010
10:30 AM


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