James Wilbert Boykin

James Wilbert Boykin
May 1, 1929 -June 28, 2013

James Wilbert Boykin, 84, of Wilson passed away Friday.   Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Winstead United Methodist Church, Wilson.   The Rev. Paul Dunham will officiate.   Interment will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday in Evergreen Memorial Park. The Rev. Dr. Morgan Daughety will officiate.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Winstead United Methodist Church, 1407 Tarboro Street, Wilson.

James was a true Southern gentleman; he never met a stranger.   He was known as Squirt or Jim.   His mother called him by his middle name, Wilbert.   Whenever his wife answered the phone, she could tell who was calling by the name they used.  

James worked with DuPont in Kinston for 31 years.   He was a passionate music lover; his knowledge of jazz was unrivaled.   Later he became a bluegrass devotee and was instrumental in founding the ??Barn ?, a venue for bluegrass musicians and fans in Wilson County.

The jazz and bluegrass worlds have suffered a loss, a connoisseur of these art forms, a man who could have taught music appreciation in any university, and ambassador but most of all, a fan.

He was a husband to Nancy for 62 years, a father to Catherine and Susan, a grandfather to Cullen and a second father to Jim and Richard.   He will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Winstead United Methodist Church, 1407 Tarboro Street, Wilson, NC   27893 and Wilmed Hospice, 1705 Tarboro Street S, Wilson, NC   27893.

Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.