James Taylor (Jay) Boswell Jr.

James Taylor Boswell, Jr. (Jay) passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his friends and family, on December 7, 2024, at the age of 54. He was born on July 26, 1970, to Elizabeth Pollock Boswell and James Taylor Boswell.

Jay graduated from Athens Academy in 1988 and went on to attend The University of Georgia, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Many of his most cherished and lifelong friendships were formed during his time at SAE. It was at UGA that Jay met the love of his life, Doree Dobbs, and they were married on April 5, 1997.

Jay was deeply involved in his community, serving as past president of both the Athens Country Club and UGA Tee-Off Club and as a member of the Athens City Club, Athens First United Methodist Church, and Gridiron Secret Society.

With a business degree in Risk Management from UGA, Jay joined The Boswell Group in 2000, working alongside his father, Jamie Boswell, for almost 25 years. Jay’s approach to work was always about building relationships—not just with clients and colleagues, but with everyone he encountered. His generosity of spirit and strong work ethic left a lasting impact on all who worked with him.

Jay’s love of golf was evident to anyone who knew him. Whether on the course with his father, his golf buddies, or during his weekend “noon” golf outings, Jay’s competitive nature and passion for the game were unmistakable. His boisterous and infectious laugh could be heard across a room, and his sense of humor and joy were felt by anyone lucky enough to be in his presence. He treasured sharing gourmet meals with family and friends, enjoying time spent around the table, reminiscing and creating memories.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Doree Dobbs Boswell; his children, James (Taylor) Boswell III and fiancée Sarah Parker Peyer, Elizabeth (Liza) Barnett Boswell; his parents, Elizabeth (Tuter) Pollock Boswell and James (Jamie) Taylor Boswell. He is also survived by his sister, Lillian Elizabeth (Beth) Boswell, in-laws Wendill and Willis Pickens Dobbs, Jr., brother-in-law Willis Barnett Wiggins Dobbs and his wife Leigh Rudder Dobbs, nephews John (Jack) Willis Dobbs and Hollis Maclan Dobbs, his dear pup, Mollie, many cousins and a large circle of lifelong friends in Athens and beyond.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Petros Nikolinakos and the dedicated nurses and staff at the University Blood and Cancer Center for four years of exceptional medical treatment. And a special thank you to Jennifer Jones, Karen Waller, the team of caregivers, and Gentiva Hospice who provided Jay such compassionate care during his final days.

A memorial service will be held at Athens First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 11, at 2:00 p.m., with Jeremy Lawson officiating. Following the service, the family will welcome friends and loved ones at the Athens Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 49309, Athens, GA 30604, or UCBC Cares Foundation, 3320 Old Jefferson Road, Bldg. 800, Athens, GA 30607.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.