James Watson Boatright

Mr. James Watson Boatright, age 70, passed away on July 15, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

James served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1974 until 1977, and after active duty he served in the Georgia Air National Guard until 2004, completing over thirty years of service to our country.

He worked as an investigator for the Georgia Ports Authority Police Department for thirty years from April of 1978 to July of 2008, and later for the Louisville Police Department until his retirement in September 2011.

He was a long time Mason and member of the Roger Lacey Lodge #722. He was a Master Mason for over thirty years and had served as Worshipful Master. He was also an active member of the Alee Shriners, including work with the Alee Pirate Unit in Savannah.

He is survived by children, Jamie Hammond (John) of Ellabell, Nanette Boatright of Pembroke, and Gage Boatright of Swainsboro, his brother, Bobby Boatright (Teri) of Statesboro, and his sister, Brenda Knox of Appling, grandchildren, Kaiden Boatright, Shelby Hammond, Jessica Hammond, Justin Hammond (Allie), great-granddaughter, Athena Hammond.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Davis Boatright, his parents, Solomon and Doris Boatright, a brother, Ralph Boatright, and a sister, Linda Reid.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 3:00pm in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Stafford officiating. The family will receive friends for an hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers will be Kaiden Boatright, Bobby Boatright, Jr., Sam Reid, Jr., Ray “Pooh Bear” Metts, Joe Reid, and Christopher Barrett.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Georgia Ports Authority Police Department and the Alee Shriners Pirate Unit.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements for Mr. James Watson Boatright, 70, of Swainsboro.