John Bartley Boykin, age 32, of Washington, D.C., passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Dr. Mark Benson will officiate the service. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. A private committal service will be held by the family at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is handling the arrangements with honor.
John Bartley, affectionately known as JB, was a cherished son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, and friend. His warm personality and zest for life touched countless individuals. He was a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he earned Chancellor’s Honors and was an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. During his time at Ole Miss, JB held various leadership roles within Sigma Chi, forging deep and lasting friendships. These bonds extended across the nation, providing him with a valuable network of Sigma Chi brothers that supported his personal and professional growth throughout his life.
Following graduate school, John Bartley embarked on a successful career in Washington, D.C., beginning with a role working for Senator Thad Cochran. This experience provided him with extensive knowledge of the federal government. Returning to Mississippi, he worked closely with Governor Phil Bryant, where he developed a strong interest in international trade and relations for the state. His passion for politics and advocating for Mississippi grew during this period, solidifying his career aspirations. John Bartley furthered his political career by serving as Campaign Field Director for Herschel Walker’s U.S. Senate campaign. He then returned to Washington, D.C., to work as Senior Advisor for tax, banking, finance, and business development for Senator Ted Cruz. Most recently, John Bartley transitioned to Bethesda, Maryland, where he assumed the position of Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy Strategies for Gunster Strategies Worldwide.
John Bartley’s infectious enthusiasm for life was evident to all who knew him. His striking presence, combined with his genuine Southern charm, drew people to him. He lived life to the fullest, leaving a positive impact on many. His priorities were clear: God, family, and friends always came first, alongside his deep passion for the political arena and his work in the nation’s capital. Despite his professional success in Washington D.C., his heart remained in Mississippi. He was happiest when spending time with family, playing with his nephews, attending Ole Miss sporting events, and enjoying the atmosphere of the Grove on game days.
John Bartley is survived by his loving mother, Leslie Gilmore Purvis (Jay); his grandmother, Gail Griffin Gilmore; his brother, Brett Chapman Boykin (Katie); his nephews, Chapman, Hampton, and Bartley Boykin; his uncle, Dr. David Gilmore (Mary); his cousins, Marshall Gilmore (Mary), Mary Katherine DeBardelebon (Alex), and Laura Beth Gilmore; and numerous extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bart Boykin, and his grandfather, Dr. Walter “Sonny” Gilmore.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Gov. Phil Bryant, Gregory Alston, Cole Hoover, Drew Cunningham, Austin “Bobby” Watts, Gray Manhein, Turner Holland, Bailey West, and Harrison Peyton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sigma Chi Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of John Bartley Boykin, at 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655. Donate here to the Sigma Chi Memorial Scholarship
