James Boyette, 85

James Boyette, age 85, of Swainsboro, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services were held Monday, December 29, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend James Tolor officiating. Family received friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to services. Entombment followed in Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Pallbearers were Casey Boyette, Brent Brown, Troy Parrish, Baretta Davis, Brian Lane, Dewayne Guest and Chris Collins.

James was born October 30, 1940, in Stilson, to the late Owen Boyette and Marylou Brown Boyette. Lovingly known as Jimmy to family and friends, he was a devoted family man with a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of football. A standout athlete in high school, Jimmy earned the Lineman of the Year award in 1960. Following graduation, he proudly served in the National Guard. Throughout his life, Jimmy enjoyed fishing, dirt track and NASCAR racing, gardening, and especially football, which always held a special place in his heart. He will be remembered for his dedication, quiet strength, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. Jimmy retired after 38 years from Pineland Telephone and was a member of Deep Creek Freewill Baptist Church for 40 years. Mr. Boyette is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Mario Boyette; son, Charles Grimes; grandsons, Rusty Pounds and Rockey Pounds; sisters, Margaret Collins and Diane Smith; brothers, Clinton Boyette and Ray Boyette; son-in-law, Remer Brown, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Susanna Boyette.

Mr. Boyette is survived by his wife of 35 years, Alma Jean Parrish Boyette; sons, James Cohen Boyette, Jr., Jason Owen Boyette and Terry Grimes; daughters, Denise Boyette Brown, Sonya Boyette Lane (Perry) and Teresa Grimes Pounds (Randy); brother, Thomas Boyette (Mignon); special niece, Teresa Young; special great-nephew, Afton Aldrich; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.