James R. Boatwright, Sr., 94, of Memphis, TN, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2016. He was born in Memphis and served in the US Marine Corp during WWII in the 4th Marine Division Tank Battalion and took part in action on Saipan, Iwo Jima and Tinian. Mr. Boatwright retired in 1977 from the Memphis Fire Department after 25 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Boatwright who died December 10, 2013. Mr. Boatwright is survived by his children, Marilyn Winsett, Deborah Harper, James R. Boatwright, Jr., Leonard Boatwright; step children, Rose Ricks, Richard Moskovitz, Barry Gibson; 18 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Jean Tisdale. Visitation will be 9 a.m. Thursday, February 4 until service begins at 10 a.m. at Forest Hill East Funeral Home.
Graveside service will be held at 1:15 p.m. at New Albany City Cemetery in New Albany, MS.

Forest Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, East
901-382-1000