of Conway, AR

May 9, 1944 - December 10, 2025

James Gale Boardman, of Conway, AR, passed away at the age of 81 on December 10,
2025. He was born May 9, 1944 in Heber Springs, AR to the late Howard and Lessie
Boardman.
Jim's first priority was his family. He met Linda, his wife of 60 years, when they were in the first
grade. They built a life together that they loved. He was proud of his children and invested in
their lives. Jim was happiest when spending time with his family playing games, working
puzzles, sharing meals, and telling stories.
Jim was a graduate of Sylvan Hills High School and the University of Central Arkansas. He
began his career in education as a math teacher and football coach in Monett, MO.
In 1970, Jim took a position with the Arkansas Department of Education where he had a 43-
year career and rose to the position of Assistant Commissioner for Research and Technology.
He was a mentor and friend to those he worked with and led humbly by example.
Jim was a champion for bringing technology into the Arkansas educational system. His
leadership was a major factor in making Arkansas the first state in the nation to connect every
school to the internet in the 1990s. He backed the state-wide IMPAC Learning Systems that
placed technology in classrooms. He was integral to creation of the Migrant Student Record
Transfer system that assisted some of the least served families in the state. He was an
architect of the state's Distance Learning program. He brought the Technology Information
Center for Administrative Leadership (TICAL) to the state and built a strong network of
administrative leaders.
As an early advocate of the EAST Initiative, Jim believed EAST had the capacity to make the
strongest impact on students and their communities. He would talk about EAST with anyone
who would listen. Jim supported EAST in empowering students with professional technology
tools, fostering self-directed, project-based learning, and emphasizing community
service. EAST has grown to serve hundreds of schools across multiple states and hundreds of
thousands of students over the last three decades.
After retirement, he and his wife Linda often traveled together, enjoying many adventures in
places like Hawaii, Alaska, Niagara Falls, Vermont, Bermuda, the Smoky Mountains, the
Caribbean Islands, and the Panama Canal. The two also began an epic domino tournament,
playing a total of 2,537 games together. Jim won with 1274 wins to Linda's 1263.
Jim is survived by wife, Linda Boardman, and his children Bonnie Boardman (Eric Flynn) and
Jeff Boardman (Priscilla McChristian).
The Boardman family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and condolences during this
difficult time.
A small, family service is planned. The family invites all his friends and former colleagues to
celebrate Jim's life by having a good meal and lots of laughs in his honor

 

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