J Lee Boyd was born in 1940 at home in Clearwater, Missouri in rural Ste. Genevieve County and passed away at home in Farmington, Missouri surrounded by loved ones on August 15th, 2025, just shy of his 85th birthday.
J Lee proudly served in the United States Navy and Navy Reserves for a total of 17 years, reaching the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Petty Officer Boyd was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Japan during the Vietnam War serving as a jet mechanic on the F-4 Phantom.
J Lee devoted 33 years with the Farmington, Missouri Police Department serving in many roles including patrolman, detective, training officer, and Deputy Chief. Lieutenant Boyd retired in 2008, having served as acting chief five times. He was involved in starting the local D.A.R.E. and School Resource Officer programs. He was instrumental in department improvements, Project Kid-Care, and the Torch Run supporting the Special Olympics.
J Lee was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 416, lifetime auxiliary member of Norman L. Rigdon V.F.W. Post #5896, Past Master twice and 50 year member of Masonic Lodge #132, Past President and 25+ year member of ECMO Shrine, member of I.O.O.F. Lodge #48, a founding member of St. Francois County Chapter of Backstoppers Inc., member of Mineral Area Heritage Tractor Club, board member of Old Pine Log Church Association, and board member of Mayberry Cemetery.
J Lee had many special memories of the family farm settled by his great grandfather in the 1800’s. He spent part of his childhood and the early years of his marriage living on the farm. Over the years, he grew crops, put up hay, raised cattle, took care of his mules, enjoyed the creek, and his John Deere tractors. J Lee loved big machinery especially trains, tractors, and ships. He enjoyed St. Louis Cardinals baseball, watching old westerns, reading, and listening to classic country or southern gospel music. He found great joy sharing his interests with loved ones.
A man of deep faith, J Lee studied the Bible, earned a seminary degree, was a member of Gideons International, and supported ministries caring for children, delivering the Word of God, and giving to those in need around the world.
J Lee met his wife, Jessie Mae at church and they began writing daily for the three years he was stationed overseas. He often wrote of home and in one of his letters he told her that home was anywhere they were together.
In addition to Jessie Mae, his wife of nearly 60 years, J Lee is survived by his children, Thomas Lee Boyd, Faith Ann (Jimmie) Gann, Teresa Ellen (Daniel) Govreau, Dennis Lee Boyd, and Elijah Joel “EJ” Lee Boyd; his grandchildren, Caleb (Grace), Jessica (Taylor), Jennifer (Dylan), Joseph (Jewell), Emma Grace (Jacob), Bradlee (Brandy), Leah, Bella, Airella, Skylar (Caitlynn), Jacob, Isaac, Michael, Zach, and Sylvia; one great-grandson and three great-granddaughters; sister, Lois Jane Boyd, and many other loved family and friends. He would often repeat what a close friend once told him in this regard, ”You’re a rich man, Boyd”.
J Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah “EJ” and Hazel Boyd, and siblings Dennis “Jerry” Boyd and Mary Lou Eames.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 4 - 8 p.m. with Masonic Services at 7pm. Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, until time of funeral service at 10 am, concluding with presentation by the Police Honor Guard. Interment will take place at Mayberry Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve County following the funeral service with full military honors.
Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of Visiting Angels, Serenity Hospice, and the Department of Veterans Affairs during the final stages of Alzheimer’s and to the DAV for connecting J Lee to care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Backstoppers Organization of St. Francois County, The Gideons International, or The Old Pine Log Church restoration fund.
