Jim Boyd, Beloved Boston Anchor, Dies at 84 After Working His Way from Mailroom to On-Air Newsman

**Beloved Boston News Anchor Jim Boyd Passes Away at 84**

Jim Boyd, a cherished former news anchor who spent nearly four decades making headlines in the Greater Boston area, has passed away at the age of 84. Boyd died on October 27 after experiencing ongoing health issues, as reported by ABC affiliate WCVB, The Boston Globe, and Boston.com.

WCVB anchor Maria Stephanos shared a heartfelt tribute to Boyd, describing him as “a beautiful man” with “a beautiful family.” She referred to him as a “true gentleman” who was a trusted source of news for countless viewers throughout his long career. “Countless viewers who counted on Jim Boyd for decades, and that included me,” she added, reflecting the profound impact he had on the community.

Born in 1939, Boyd’s journey into journalism began with setbacks; he struggled with academic performance in college and, after leaving, found his way into the mailroom of National Educational Television (NET) in New York City in 1961. His tenacity allowed him to quickly rise to the position of producer before relocating to Boston, where he joined WCVB as a reporter in 1972.

Over the years, Boyd climbed the ranks within the station, eventually becoming the anchor of weekend and midday newscasts. His engrossing storytelling captivated audiences and established him as a household name in Boston. Even after retiring in 2008, his influence and legacy within the broadcasting community remained significant.

Reflecting on his career in a 2013 interview, Boyd expressed gratitude for the unique opportunities it provided him. “I think I had the greatest job anybody could have,” he stated. “How else can you get the opportunity to invade other people’s lives and get paid for being nosy?” His passion for storytelling and commitment to his viewers shone through in every broadcast.

Boyd was recognised for his exceptional contributions to journalism with a Golden Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ New England chapter in 2011. The following year, he was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a revered figure in the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Boyd was known for his humility and the way he connected with people from all walks of life. “Anybody who came up to talk with him, he would talk with them,” said Linda Polach, Boyd’s wife. “He met presidents and lawn workers, and speakers of the house and garbage collectors. He treated everyone as equals.”

In addition to his broadcasting career, Boyd was deeply involved in his local community, serving as a coach for various sports and contributing to youth organisations. He dedicated himself to being a loving father to his three daughters, nurturing their growth and development with great care.

In a remarkable achievement during his retirement, Boyd fulfilled a long-held ambition by graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Tufts University in 2013 at the age of 71. This moment was particularly cherished by him, as he expressed in a clip from a WCVB interview: “I struggle with trying to find the adequate words to explain just how great it felt to be able to get that degree, to walk across that stage.”

Jim Boyd leaves behind a loving family, including his wife and three children, as well as a legacy of integrity, compassion, and professionalism in journalism. His contributions to news broadcasting have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Boston community, making him a figure who will be fondly remembered.