James Wesley Boyd

James (Jimmy) Wesley Boyd, 85, of Powell, TN, went home to his eternal reward on August 24, 2026.  Born and raised in Johnstown, PA, Jimmy made Powell his home in 1968 and built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and community.  Jimmy graduated from Johnstown High School in 1959, having been a proud member of the 1958 Western PA Interscholastic Athletic League Championship Football team, which was inducted into the Cambria County All-Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.  He proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963, with assignments at Fort Benning, Georgia, and along the DMZ in South Korea.  He later attended the University of Tennessee, where he studied mechanical engineering, and went on to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) at the Norris Engineering Laboratory Complex for more than 30 years.  Beyond his professional life, Jimmy gave generously of his time and talents. He coached club ice hockey at the Ice Chalet in Knoxville and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Powell, where he directed the Royal Ambassador program. In later years, he continued serving faithfully at Bells Campground Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years.  Jimmy will be remembered for his sense of humor, his devotion to his family, and the joy he brought to those around him.  One cherished family tradition was his extensive model train collection, which would take over the living room every other Christmas beneath the Christmas tree. Friends and family would gather to admire and play with the trains, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Carl and Mary Gindlesperger Boyd, and his sister, Patricia Boyd Martin. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Ruth Henderson Boyd; daughter, Susan Boyd of Bellmawr, NJ; son, Edward (Heather) Boyd of Powell and his treasured grandchildren, Blair, Thomas, and Vivian, who fittingly knew him as their Happy; sisters, Betty Boyd Rager of Johnstown, PA, and Carolee Boyd Humphrey of Woodbury, NJ; sisters-in-law, Wanda Henderson Wilson of Asheville, NC, and Marie Walker Henderson of Wartrace, TN, as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 pm with a service immediately following at 5:00 pm at Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel.  Pastor Brian Trapp and Pastor Keith Tillman officiating.  Family and friends will meet at 1:45 pm, Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Bells Campground Cemetery in Powell for a 2:00 pm graveside service.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Bells Campground Baptist Church Building for the Future Fund at www.bcbcpowell.org.

Online condolences may be left by visiting mynattfh.com.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel is honored to be serving the family of James Wesley Boyd.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com