Our precious son, brother and nephew, James David Boyd, age 30, went home to be with the Lord with his family by his side, on Friday, March 3rd.
James was born August 11, 1992, in Williston, North Dakota. He attended Poplar Elementary School until third grade then spent the remainder of his school years at Culbertson School, graduating in 2011.
James tried wrestling and basketball but found a love for dancing. He was a traditional dancer for many years, but his love was to dance hip-hop. During his four years of high school, James was involved in choir, men’s ensemble, mixed ensemble, and regular choir. For a number of years, James was an avid fisher, fishing at Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Lake, and Missouri River.
Another love of James’s was Christian rap. He would share his love of Christian rap music on Wednesday nights performing at the Assembly of God youth services. James loved the Lord and felt his calling was working with the youth.
James was also an avid sports fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle Seahawks, Oregon Beavers, TCU Horned Frogs, San Diego Padres, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights. He loved to watch his younger brother Canaan play football and was his biggest fan. Due to recent health issues, James was unable to watch Canaan play college football, but he was at home cheering him on.
Several highlights of James’s life were attending an NBA basketball game to see his favorite player Kobe Bryant. He went to Minnesota to see the Los Angeles Lakers play the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2021, his uncle Samson took him to see his favorite NFL team Seattle Seahawks play the Tennessee Titans. Last year James took a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada with his aunt Waynette and brothers, Maschil and Jay. The highlight of the trip was to see the Jabba Wockeez dance group.
James is survived by his parents Debra Boyd and Faron Hapa of Poplar. Brothers Canaan and David Boyd of Poplar. Habakkuk Boyd, Albuquerque, NM; Donald (Jay) Weinberger IV of Sidney, MT. Maschil Boyd, Chance Boyd, Joseph Boyd, and Joey Boyd all of Poplar.
Sisters Audrea Scott, Hannah Boyd, and Gabby Boyd all of Poplar. Madison Kidman of Albuquerque, NM, and McKynzii Boyd of Poplar. Aunties Valerie Boyd, Jodie Boyd, Machelle Boyd, and Waynette Boyd all of Poplar. Sharon (Ash) Kidman of Albuquerque, NM, and Grace (John) Wood of Poplar. Uncles Wayne (Mia) Boyd Jr., and Samson (Ann) Boyd of Poplar. Phil (Brenda) Hamilton of Auburn, WA; Anthony (Kim) Martin of Nashville, TN; and Louie (Penny) Weaver of Nashville, TN; Arlin Hapa of Billings, MT. Nephews Donte and Micah Eagle Boy and Trey Scott all of Poplar. Niece Whisper Eagle Boy of Poplar. Grandmas Lyda Bears Tail of Mandaree, ND; Margaret Hapa, Sharon Red Thunder, Kate Youpee, Millie Runs Through of Poplar, Jamie Youpee of Brockton, MT, and many cousins and relatives to many to mention. A special friend Landon Bird from Minot, ND, who was his respiratory therapist.
James is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rev. Wayne A., and Dolly Boyd; paternal grandparent Frank Hapa Sr.; uncles Joseph O. Boyd; Frank and Michael Hapa, and many relatives on both sides of the family. We will forever love and miss you dearly James. You have taken a part of us with you. Until heaven calls, and we see you face to face, we will hold you close in our hearts. Rap and dance down those halls of glory for Him.
A prayer service will be held on Monday, March 13th at 7:00 p.m. and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 14th at 1:00 p.m. all at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.