Dr. John Campbell Boggs Jr.

BOGGS, Dr. John Campbell Jr., 87, of Richmond, passed away on February 15, 2015. He was a graduate of Randolph-Macon Military Academy, received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He began his career teaching English at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va. Thereafter, he taught for 35 years at the University of Richmond, where he served as chairman of the English department and coordinated graduate studies. During his tenure at the University of Richmond, the University chapter of ODK named him the outstanding faculty member of the year. His literary research focused on the works of James Joyce and Herman Melville. He initiated and directed the first series of interdisciplinary faculty seminars on contemporary literature and cultural theory.

Dr. Boggs served the Richmond community on the executive committee of the Virginia Association of Teachers of English and as a member of the Speakers Bureau and the Richmond Independence Bicentennial Commission. He belonged to several professional and social organizations, including the American Association of University Professors, the South Atlantic Modern Language Association, the James Joyce International Foundation, the National Association of Scholars, the National Retired Teachers Association, Sigma Chi Fraternity and the American Legion. In retirement he held several offices, including presidency in the University Dunlora Society for Faculty and staff retirees.

Dr. Boggs served on active duty in military intelligence during the Korean War and continued service in the U.S. Army Reserves. He maintained a life-long interest in music, dating back to his prep school days, when he organized and directed a "big band" ensemble playing popular music of World War II. He arranged compositions for both his orchestra and the military band of his school, continuing to play saxophone in musical groups in college and later life.

Dr. Boggs was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rosemarie Helene Boggs; daughter, Linda Helene Payne and her husband, Mark Joseph Payne of Laguna Beach, Calif.; son, David John Boggs and his wife, Virginia Harada Boggs of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.; and grandchildren, Dylan Campbell Payne, Matthew John Payne, Andrew Elias Payne, Mattie Takae Boggs and Braven Charles Kaito Boggs.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2015 at the Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, Va. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Blackstone, Va.