Growing up as the son of a Marine, I always had plenty of friends but could only keep them for about 3 years, courtesy those transfers that the military does to all of its troops. I therefore never really had anyone close to me to share my hobby (firearms) with, other than my Dad (who knew a little) and my Uncle Jim (whom I considered to be the Guru of Guns). Whenever we made that long trip to my parent's hometown, it was time for me to go out, see Jim and talk about guns. It didn't matter what era it was from (blackpowder to present); we could sit down for hours and just talk about them and the history behind them. A retired SFC from the U.S. Army, he had many stories about handling and testing weapons down at Fort Benning. Also a hunter and fisherman, he wouldn't hesitate to share those experiences with anyone. As described by many, he was a big man with an even bigger heart and I learned a lot from him.
That day he passed away was one of the worst days of my life; he was not only my best 'gun buddy' in the whole world but also a mentor on life in general. I have learned a lot from him (but never enough) and thereby dedicate my collection and desire to share their history to him.On May 5th 2003, the Lord took my Aunt Annette to be with Jim again. God Bless Them Both.
Jim: I miss you: Uncle, friend, teacher & soldier.
James (Jim) Harley Boyd
July 22, 1934 to June 11, 1991
SPC Boyd
Jim's Favorite Rifle - of all the designs he had held and tested, this is the one he swore by! Oddly enough, it is also the one that he did not have in his own little collection. My 1953 International Harvester M1 is dedicated to him: Big Jim.
