J. P. Boyd

Mr. James (J.P.) Presley Boyd, 98, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at his home in Bethlehem, Georgia. He was greatly loved by his family who called him Papa and will be missed by many friends.

J.P. was born on December 3, 1926, in Statham, Georgia, the son of Claud and Mary Jane Perkins Boyd. J.P. was the middle child of a family with seven children. He had three older sisters and three younger brothers. J.P. grew up working in the fields during planting and harvesting seasons. He knew how to operate tractors and could make any machine work. All his grandchildren would eventually receive driving lessons from him, as well as some of his great-grandchildren. In 1943, J.P. graduated from Bogart High School where he was a member of their state championship basketball team.

After high school, at age 17, J.P. enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was sent to the Pacific Theater of World War II. He endured some of the most desperate fighting and one of the worst Typhoon seasons on record. He served on the USS Zaniah, a fleet repair ship, and drove smoke boats to camouflage the fleet. He also worked in the kitchen preparing food for his fellow sailors. He could really cook and knew how to stretch limited supplies.

After the war, J.P. returned to farming in Oconee County. Eventually, J.P. met Evelyn Barber Boyd who would become his devoted wife of more than 75 years and the mother of his two children. J.P. always had a vegetable garden. Family and neighbors often enjoyed fresh corn, crowder peas, eggplants, okra, peppers, squash, and tomatoes. J.P. was a dedicated salesman. He sold everything from pantyhose to candy bars. J.P. retired from Barrow Manufacturing Co. after many years as a shipping clerk.

J.P. was a dedicated and very active member of Bethlehem First United Methodist Church for 71 years, where he served in many capacities including as a trustee, a treasurer, and as a member of various committees. For years, he enjoyed singing alongside his wife in the choir. J.P. was known for his chicken and brunswick stews, which he made to raise money for the schools and church with fundraisers. J.P. greatly enjoyed serving as the church’s wedding planner. He even kept a scrapbook that had invitations or a special memory from each ceremony. J.P. also served as the church’s security guard where he would lock up and set the alarm every night. J.P. was honored to receive the “Man of the Year” award from the church.

J.P. loved Bethlehem and served it in many capacities, from Justice of the Peace to organizing annual basketball tournaments to benefit the elementary school. He always cared for his community and would go out of his way to help someone out of a bad situation. He believed in democracy and proudly voted in every election possible and served as an election worker when needed. He was an avid Braves fan.

J.P. is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; his son, Phil Boyd (Laurilyn); his daughter, Vickie Washington (Bob); his six grandchildren: Jillian Armistead (Doug), Rebekah Simmons (Brian), Allison Van Kirk (Ryan), Bo Washington, Jon Philip Boyd (Ursula), and Mary Elizabeth Boylan (Bob); his 19 great-grandchildren: Presley, Joshua, Madeline, Avery, Kane, Malachi, Koa, Brynn, Conner, Judd, Eden, Genevieve, Abel, Roxy, Corban, Harley, Cort, Veda, and Jack; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He was predeceased by his parents; his six siblings: Hortense Rogers, Gwendolyn Evans, Marjorie Cronic, Billy Boyd, Donnie Boyd and Loyce Boyd; and his great-granddaughter Arden.

The Celebration of Life Service for J.P. Boyd will be held at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The visitation will be held in the Narthex from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm. The service will be held in the sanctuary at 2:00 pm. The graveside will be held at the Bethlehem Methodist Cemetery at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, Bethlehem, GA.