James Boyer, age 98, of Independence, VA passed away March 13, 2024, at the Grayson Nursing and Rehab Center in Independence.  He was born on December 22, 1925, in Independence to Gwyn and Della Phipps Boyer.  Mr. Boyer was a Veteran of the United States Navy having served in WWII.  He was married to Frances Miller in 1947.  They were a team who operated a farm during the day, while Mr. Boyer worked second shift as a textile supervisor.  He will be remembered as a hard worker who delighted in providing for his family.  He was a dedicated husband and loving father to his three girls.  He enjoyed grouse and turkey hunting and working in the garden and planting flowers.  He was notorious for keeping a perfectly manicured lawn, which was always a top priority for him.  He and Mrs. Boyer were long-time members of Brush Creek Baptist Church where they attended as long as their health permitted.  He always enjoyed caring for animals, especially his bird dogs.  In his retirement years, he found great enjoyment in being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  While the family is deeply saddened by his passing, they are greatly comforted in knowing that he and Frances have been reunited and the cares of this life have been laid aside for eternal peace and joy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Frances Miller Boyer.  He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy and Wade Billings, Patsy and Charles Sturgill, Debra and Ricky Edwards, all of Independence, VA; brother-in-law, Ralph and Sue Miller of Elk Creek, VA; five grandchildren, Vanessa and David Fant of Galax, VA, Paula and Dwight Carter of Galax, Virginia, Lynn and James Monahan of Wytheville, VA, James and Shannon Edwards of Purcellville, VA, and Angie and Derrick Douglas of Crumpler, North Carolina; eleven great-grandchildren, Tucker Carter, Kale Carter, Phoebe Fant, Vivian Fant, Thomas Fant, Ethan Monahan, Luke Monahan, Sabe Douglas, Lettie Jo Douglas, Grayson Edwards, and Ava Grace Edwards; special friend, Phil Horton also survives.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday afternoon, March 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the Reins- Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Eddie Roland officiating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in the Brush Creek Cemetery with military Honors will be conducted by the Grayson V.F.W. Post #7726 and the United States Navy.

The family respectfully request no visitation nor food at the home.  While flowers are appreciated, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International Grayson Camp PO BOX 922 Independence, VA 24348.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home is serving the Boyer Family.