John M. Boice, 67, of Wheaton, a missionary professor who raised his family while living and teaching in Peru for more than three decades, died of cancer Wednesday, June 12, in his home. Born in Evanston, Mr. Boice grew up in Maywood. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Northwestern University in 1956, where he played trombone in the marching band. After spending more than a year in Europe, he earned a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey and a master of arts degree from Wheaton College. From 1964 to 1999, Mr. Boice served as a missionary professor with the Evangelical Alliance Mission in Lima, Peru, where his specialty was New Testament and Greek exegesis. Since 1963, he was a member of Evangel Baptist Church in Wheaton, where he was ordained and commissioned as its second missionary. “Our years in Peru were a very special time for our family,” said his son Steve. “It’s a very interesting country and very diverse geographically. My father’s students were fascinating individuals who came from the jungles, the mountains and the coast.” Mr. Boice’s interests included history, HO-gauge model railroading and music. “My father was a very educated man, but also very kind, quiet and humble,” his son said. “My friends in Peru referred to him as a saint.” Other survivors include his wife, Dawn; a son, David; two daughters, Juanita Leipold and Cristina Foliente; and two grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Memorial Park, 9900 N. Gross Pointe Rd., Skokie. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Evangel Baptist Church, 1900 Manchester Rd., Wheaton.
