Jim Boynton, Veteran of Texas Capitol, Dies at 67
December 29, 2020 - State
A cornerstone of the Capitol. Jim Boynton (pictured) was influential through his work with the Texas Democratic Party and in the Texas Capitol. Photo: Facebook.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- On Tuesday, veteran of the Texas Capitol Jim Boynton lost his battle with cancer at the age of 67
- Boynton was the senior advisor to Texas State Rep. Philip Cortez and had worked with the Texas Democratic Party and in the Texas Capitol
On Tuesday, former Texas Democratic Party staffer and Texas Capitol staffer Jim Boynton, whom the Quorum Report called “a legend in the process since the 1993 legislative session, and Texas State Rep. Philip Cortez called “a cornerstone of the Capitol,” lost his battle with cancer. He was 67.
For decades, Boynton advised Democratic candidates and office holders, served the people of Texas in the Capitol, most recently in Cortez’s House District 117 office, and led the TDP by directing the primary with a decisive and steady hand.
“Jim Boynton was a damn good Texas Democrat,” said Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa in an emailed statement. “He was always ready and willing to lend a helpful ear, give wisdom to those who sought it, and bring wit and laughter to a room when we all needed it the most. He served his party and the great state of Texas well.”
On Nov. 22, the Quorum Report first posted that Boynton was battling cancer at St. David’s Hospital in South Austin.
“Our hearts are broken as we mourn Jim’s passing,” continued Hinojosa. “Jim Boynton will forever be a part of the Texas Democratic family. In this most difficult year, we say goodbye to our dear friend. But we know, he looks at us now with a warm smile, because Jim’s work lives on in all of those who worked alongside him. Throughout his years he mentored countless candidates and staffers of all generations. Now it is up to the rest of us to carry on his work.”
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His final role was as senior advisor to Cortez, who posted two photos of Boynton on his Facebook page Tuesday afternoon.
“Jim Boynton was a friend to all, a member of my [legislative] team since 2017, and will be greatly missed,” he wrote. “With over 24 years of service to Texas, Jim truly was a cornerstone of the Capitol. May he rest in peace.”
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded