James Robert Boykin Sr.

James Robert “Bob” Boykin, Sr., 98, passed away at his home on Friday, April 10, 2020 in Mobile, Alabama. Bob was born to Alabama Congressman Frank W. Boykin and Ocllo Gunn Boykin on June 30, 1921 in Mobile. He attended Leinkauf Elementary School, Barton Academy, Murphy High School, Spring Hill College, and American University in Washington D.C., where he lettered in track in 1944. Bob obtained a B.A. in Business Administration at the University of Alabama and was a member of the DKE Fraternity.

Bob was the father of six beloved children: James Robert Boykin, Jr., deceased, and Grace Browder Boykin, both with Browder Walker Boykin,deceased.; Starr Lynn Boykin, Jan Boykin Miller, Michael Dent Boykin, and Randolph Gunn Boykin, with the love of his life, Lynn Dent Boykin, deceased.

Bob served in World War II as an Army Air Corps Flight Officer, flying a P-61 Northrop Black Widow night fighter in the Philippines. In 1956, Bob worked at Mobile Paper Mill and when it was purchased in 1965 by Stone Container Corporation, he was hired as General Manager. He was Past-President of Tensaw Land & Timber Company, Inc. until his retirement in 1985. Bob was the Co-Founder and Past-President of Boykin Management, Inc.

Bob served as President of the Crichton Optimist Club and was instrumental in the paving of the streets and bridge over 3 Mile Creek. He started the Christmas Tree Sales for charities and began honoring the Mobile County High School Football Player of the Week, a program that continues today. He was the Past-President of the Tuberculosis Association of Mobile, Alabama in 1944; Past-President of the Boys Club (known today as Boys and Girls Club of America) in Mobile; Past-President of the University of Alabama Alumni Association, Mobile chapter; a member of the Mason Secret Society and a Mardi Gras Society in Mobile; a Board member of the Mobile Infirmary Foundation; as well as Co-Founder and Past-Board member of Bank of Mobile (Trustmark).

He was an active sportsman and was the first certified deer scorer in Alabama. Bob accomplished The World and Grand Slams in hunting the species of wild turkey.

Bob lived the motto of his father every day: “Everything is made for Love!”

In addition to his children, he is survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

A memorial service is to be held at a later date.