I found out yesterday that a friend of mine, Father Jim Boyd, had passed away. My thoughts were simultaneously one of profound loss and joy. While I, and I’m certain many, many others will miss his presence in this world, I am filled with certainty that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Death seems uncertain, but it is not our end. I am certain we will see each other again in our Father’s kingdom.

Father Jim was a priest of immense love, humor, and gentleness. My wife and I met him while presenting on an Engaged Encounter retreat. I saw firsthand how he connected with couples to be married by cracking jokes with deadpan humor, followed by a wry grin. We connected over a shared interest in basketball, our love of service to engaged couples, and our interest in hearing each other’s stories and bad jokes.

I have this image of Jim’s arrival to the Pearly Gates:

St. Peter, are there any chiropractors here in Heaven?  I left mine back on earth, but he had recently quit. He said he was tired of all the “back” talk.

I recall Father Jim talking about serving the seafarers and one story in particular about a large shipping vessel with an entirely Muslim crew with the exception of a single Catholic. He related how difficult it was for that crewman to receive mass. It was reminiscent of Jesus’ story of the shepherd going to find the one lost sheep. That was Jim in a nutshell – always willing to serve, knowing an impact of one is still worthwhile.

The Spanish and English communities of Catholic Engaged Encounter, Marriage Encounter, and Retrouvaille, will all miss his service, dedication, and love.