Jim Boyd, a legendary Massachusetts news anchor known for his "gentlemanly presence" on WCVB, died Tuesday at the age of 84. Boyd spent nearly four decades at the ABC affiliate before retiring in 2008, earning induction into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2012.
His health had been failing, according to reports. Boyd's career was a testament to perseverance and talent, beginning not in a newsroom but in the mailroom of National Educational Television in New York. Raised in Harlem by a receptionist and a mail carrier, Boyd initially focused on sports over academics, leading to his dismissal from Long Island University.
His journey in news began when he stumbled into a mailroom job. From there, he progressed to production assistant, producer, and eventually a correspondent, reporting from international locations like Paris and Cairo. Boyd moved to WCVB in Boston in 1972, starting as a general assignment reporter. His on-air presence soon led him to anchor the weekend EyeOpener newscasts and later co-anchor the Midday newscast. He remained a fixture at WCVB, moving through various time slots until becoming the station's special correspondent until his retirement.
After retiring from journalism, Boyd pursued a goal he had set before entering the media: completing his college degree. At the age of 71, he enrolled at Tufts University and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 2013. Boyd also made appearances in films, including "Spotlight" and "American Hustle."
Reflecting on his career path, Boyd once said, "I think I had the greatest job anybody could have." He also shared, "It all turned out extraordinarily well for me. I realized good things happen to good people even if they had made a mistake or two."
His wife, Linda Polach, described him as a gentleman who treated everyone with equal respect, whether they were presidents or lawn workers. Reverend Liz Walker, a former colleague and the first woman of color to host a Boston news show, called Boyd a "consummate hard-working reporter" and a "great guy," noting his kindness and helpfulness both on and off camera.
Viewers also shared tributes online, with many expressing that Boyd was a significant part of their childhoods and thanking him for his years of service. Boyd is survived by his wife, three daughters, and two grandchildren.