James (Jim) Howell Boydstun

James (Jim) Howell Boydstun passed away after a courageous two-year battle with cancer on January 27, 2024, in Canon City, Colorado. Born on September 9, 1948, in Rifle, Colorado, to Gladys (Williams) and Lawerence Boydstun, Jim's life was a testament to the education and development of his students & athletes and his love for his family and the great outdoors.

Jim is survived by his wife Peggy of 52 years, sister Connie (Torrance) Hughes, son Kyle (Kristi) Boydstun, daughter Erin (Lance) Kohler, son Davin (Amanda) Boydstun, grandchildren Riley (Dixie) Boydstun, Maddie Kohler, Meghan Kohler, and Ellie Boydstun, as well as aunts, uncles and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Gladys Boydstun, and brother Larry.

Jim graduated from Riverside High School (Silt and New Castle, Colo.) in 1966, and graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., with his BA degree in 1971. He earned his Master's Degree in Education in 1980 also from WSC.

Jim worked for the Boys Club of America in Denver and Grand Junction from 1972-75. Jim and Peggy moved to Pritchett, Colo., in 1975 where he began his teaching and coaching career. He also taught and coached in Branson, Colo., and Turner, Mont., before returning to Pritchett in 1985 as Superintendent. Jim served as Superintendent of Pritchett School District until 1993, and for Creede School District from 1993-2003. His influence extended beyond his own school districts, as he chaired the Southeastern Colorado BOCES, served as the Southeastern League President, served on various Colorado High School Activities Association committees, and as a CHSAA Board of Control (Legislative Council) member. As an educator and leader, Jim improved both academics and athletics at every school he served, and left a legacy of dedication, mentorship, and belief in every young person who crossed his path.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman, with his hunting and fishing activities honed from an early age by his dad, Lawrence, his brother-in-law, Torrance, and an ornery gang of retirees, led by Hal Boydstun and Oscar Hoggatt. He knew many of the best fishing holes and hunting spots in Colorado and enjoyed sharing them with his kids, grandkids, and friends. Jim also loved sports, participating in baseball, basketball, football, and track and field throughout his childhood. He competed in track & field and basketball at Western State College, and played town-team basketball into his 40's. Jim was a long-time fan of the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanche.

Some of Jim’s favorite activities in retirement included traveling with Peggy, family hunting and fishing trips, playing cards with his card buddies, attending his grandkids’ games and concerts, and hiking to a mountain ridge with any of his kids or grandkids.

Jim’s wise counsel, sense of humor, and quiet presence will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on March 11 at 1 p.m. at The Steeple Events Center in Canon City, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Humane Society of Fremont County or Fremont Regional Hospice.