Donor Story: James Boyce

Although we might not encounter them every day, there are certain people who truly embody curiosity, whose interests are outpaced only by the depth of their passions. KQED’s mission is to serve those whose curiosity pushes them to achieve their full potential, “everyone who wants to be more,” and James “Jim” Boyce was one of those individuals. His many interests led him all over the country and the world, and to KQED.

In 2013 KQED began receiving support from Jim’s generous bequest to benefit KQED. Jim’s generosity stemmed from his love of sharing the things he cared about with others — science, nature, food, Bay Area life, and connecting people through art and stories. His many interests and ventures reflected his passion for discovery and entrepreneurship.

Born in 1942 in Panama, Jim was raised in Tahoe and later in Los Altos. A lifelong environmentalist, he developed a sense of place and an ongoing love of nature among the mountains, forests, and lakes. According to his wife, Kris, Jim loved the KQED programs that focused on science and nature, such as NOVA and Ken Burns’ The National Parks. But Jim’s abundant interests did not stop there. Indeed, his love of work, play and adventure led him down multiple exciting career paths. Whether it was studying and teaching architecture, starting a computer design company, running an organic ranch in Nevada, or revolutionizing French cheese-making in Marin, Jim was a successful innovator and natural leader. Kris reflects that Jim’s strength of mind and character made him a hard worker, someone who was “always looking ahead and thinking creatively.” This strength is the common thread throughout his many accomplishments.

One of Jim’s most enduring interests was in Africa, specifically African micro-cultures. Jim was enthralled by the people and cultures he and Kris encountered on their three trips to Africa — including visits along the west coast, Botswana, and a trek through Rwanda. He was inspired by the smiling perseverance that the people he met brought to conditions of hardship, and he wanted to share their stories with anyone who would listen. Jim saw public media as the best venue to accomplish this. Through Jim’s bequest, KQED will be able to continue sharing people’s stories from Africa and all over the world for years to come.

When Jim was not cheering on his beloved SF Giants, he was watching or listening to KQED in his and Kris’s home in Marin. He was a fan of Antiques Road Show, Rick Steves, and according to Kris, “could not get by without Masterpiece Theater.” Toward the end of his life Jim especially enjoyed the Ken Burns series Baseball. Considering all of Jim’s interests, including his love of art, independent film, and food, his vision to support public media could not have been a better fit. His bequest will continue to support KQED programming and help enlighten audiences for generations to come.