John "Jack" J. Boyd - Obituary

ohn James Boyd, “Jack”, passed away on May 27, 2024 peacefully at home with his family by his side. Jack is survived by his wife, Cecil Carley Boyd; his children, John J. Boyd, Jr., Lisa Boyd McGovern, Christopher Boyd, and Kathleen Boyd Merkert; his in-law children, Diana M. Boyd, John J. McGovern, Jr., and Elizabeth M. Boyd, 10 grandchildren, 4 in-law grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Constance E. Pierce; his sister, Connie Congleton and his son-in-law Robert T. Merkert. Born on October 7, 1927 in Charleston, South Carolina, Jack was a WWII Navy veteran serving overseas in Italy. He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and spent his career as an FBI Special Agent, Washington DC., Civil Rights Division, Unit Chief. After his retirement from the Bureau, Jack continued his involvement within the community through his volunteer efforts in his home community of Round Bay, in capital fund raising drives for St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and in his volunteer efforts for retirees at Anne Arundel Community College. Jack had a great love for sailing. He began his love for it in Louisville, KY, where he built a Jet 14, a one-design sailboat. Following his transfer to Washington DC., Jack spent many hours sailing first on his Jet 14, then eventually on his Challenger Yawl on the Severn River, the Chesapeake Bay and the West River. He taught his children to sail and some to eventually competitively race, instilling that same love and enjoyment of the water and sailing that he so enjoyed. Jack had a profound love for his family, which was apparent to everyone. His life was grounded in integrity and he had a kindness that was anchored in his commitment to love. He loved his wife, each of his children, his in-law children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren unconditionally. He was truly a favorite with both the “grands” and the “greats”. Jack’s life will be celebrated in a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 am at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park, MD. He will be interred privately at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville at a later date. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.