James Watson Boatright, 70

James Watson Boatright, age 70, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services were held Friday, July 17, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Stafford officiating. Interment followed at Sardis Primitive Baptist Cemetery with military honors. Family received friends for one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers were Kaiden Boatright, Bobby Boatright, Jr., Sam Reid, Jr., Ray “Pooh Bear” Metts, Joe Reid, and Christopher Barrett. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Georgia Ports Authority Police Department and the Alee Shriners Pirate Unit.

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.

James 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. James was also an active member of the Alee Shriners, including work with the Alee Pirate Unit in Savannah. Mr. Boatright is preceded in death by his parents, Solomon and Doris Boatright; wife, Norma Jean Davis Boatright; brother, Ralph Boatright; and sister, Linda Reid.

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

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.