James Loyd
Roxana | Save
JIM LOYD
Roxana—James W. “Jim” Loyd passed away Friday, April 6, 2018 at his home.
Jim was born at his parent’s home in Centralia, IL and delivered by his dad on July 6, 1935. The family moved to the Roxana area in 1947 and Jim graduated from Roxana High School in 1953, where he had also worked construction on the new school since he was 16. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War in Washington, D.C. transporting documents. After discharge he returned to his hometown and married his first wife, Sherryl Pitt. He later married Judy Cleveland, a Roxana teacher, on Feb. 1, 1964. She survives.
Other survivors are his children, Beth Merkel, K.C. Loyd, Kirsten Melton, his grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira R. Loyd, a WWI medic, and Dolly M. (Kurtz) Loyd; 2 sisters, Iona Gordon and Juanita Giddings; and a brother, Jack “Duke” Loyd.
Jim worked for the Village of Roxana in every department, including the Library Board and the Park Board. He became a police officer, serving 33 years, 17 as Chief. He was later elected mayor and to multiple terms as board member.
Jim Loyd’s life was dedicated to family, his church (Wood River Community of Christ) and the citizens of Roxana. He felt particularly drawn to protecting people financially and using refinery tax money responsibly. Jim was drawn to the youth of the community and church. The DARE program was “his baby” and other officers followed his passion. He directed church youth camps, taught riflery and pistolry, and has been touched by some of those young people over the years who have written to say they became police officers because of him. He was a faithful supporter of Backstoppers and other causes. He loved mowing the grass for the church on Vaughn Hill and always aimed for a “golf course” appearance.
Change of venue for memorial service.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Apr. 14, 2018 at the ROXANA HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until services begin at 1 p.m.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Backstoppers or to the Wood River Community of Christ.
Professional services were entrusted to Paynic Home for Funerals, with an online guestbook and information at www.paynicfh.com
Paynic Home for Funerals
