Dr. James R. Boyce, formerly of Defiance , Ohio, went home to meet his Heavenly Father on Monday, January 5, 2015 in Avon, Indiana.

He was born to James H. and Bertha (Crawford) Boyce on June 3, 1928 in Alliance, Ohio.

Dr. Boyce graduated from Mt. Vernon College, received his Doctorate from Case Western Reserve and served his internship with the US Naval Hospital, Great Lakes, ILL. He was in the Navy for 3 years serving on the Air Craft Carrier The USS Hornet.  James established his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery office in Defiance in 1978 and retired in 2004. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was active in Gideon's International.  Dr. Boyce was a faithful servant of God and had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. We praise God for his life and celebrate the legacy he has left behind.

James is survived by his best friend and loving spouse Penny (Schlatter) Boyce, sons, James Michael Kirkpatrick, of Plainfield, IN, and James A. Boyce of Avon, Indiana, daughters, Deborah Boyce of Bowling Green, Ohio, Linda Kirkpatrick of Akron, Ohio, Heather Dubbels of Lebanon, Indiana, Natasha Kempson of Carmel, Indiana, and 15 wonderful Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bertha Boyce, and brother, David Boyce.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Defiance. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm at the church, with Rev. Tim Yazel, officiating. Burial services will be private.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Gideon's International, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com .