James G. “Jerry” Boyd, 80, of Eldridge, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at his residence.
A memorial service will be held at Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 12 p.m. noon. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials to honor Jerry may be directed to St. Meinrad Archabbey, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jerry was born on Feb. 6, 1945, in Iowa City, the son of Paul and Mary (Nortmann) Boyd. He was born into a large family that was active in show ponies. Following his graduation from Regina High School in Iowa City, he continued his studies at the University of Iowa. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967, where he was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He returned to Iowa in 1969 to complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa and subsequently earned his MBA from Webster College in Missouri. On Sept. 5, 1973, Jerry married his best friend for life, Linda K. Meginnis, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Iowa City. Prior to his retirement in 2004, he worked as division chief of training and personnel at the Rock Island Arsenal. He retired with 35 years of service. Above all, Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Linda Boyd of Eldridge; his children, Denise (Mark) Fuller of Lancaster, N.Y., Brandon “Brett” Boyd of Bettendorf, Stacey (Mike) Rose of Eldridge, and James “JP” (Jennifer) Boyd of Davenport; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Paul) Cleary, Cass (Ashley) Fuller, Brad Fuller, Joel (Cassandra) Fuller, Amanda (Wes) Quint, Bradley (Angie) Boyd, Henry Rose, Maddie Rose, and Veronica Nache; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Marg (Dick) McNamara, Bill (Sheila) Boyd; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Boyd, Sally Boyd, and Carole Boyd; brother-in-law, Dick Jensen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Pat Boyd, Mike Boyd, Mary Ellen Jensen, Debbie Jensen, and brother-in-law Jim Jensen. His brother, Tom Boyd, passed away on Dec. 26.
Online condolences may be shared with Jerry’s family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
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