James Taylor Boswell, Jr. (Jay) passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his friends and family, on Dec. 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 attended the University of Georgia, where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Many of his most cherished and lifelong friendships were formed during his time at SAE. At UGA, Jay met the love of his life, Doree Dobbs, and they were married on April 5, 1997.
Jay was deeply involved in his community. He served as past president of the Athens Country Club and UGA Tee-Off Club and was 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 and worked 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. Jay's competitive nature and passion for the game were unmistakable, whether on the course with his father or golf buddies or during his weekend “noon” golf outings. His boisterous and infectious laugh could be heard across the room, and anyone lucky enough to be in his presence felt his sense of humor and joy. 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 lll and fiance 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 thank 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 with such compassionate care during his final days.
A memorial service was held at Athens First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 11, at 2:00 p.m., and Jeremy Lawson officiated. After the service, the family welcomed friends and loved ones to the Athens Country Club.
Instead 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.