John Christopher Boyden

John Christopher Boyden, 71, of Junction City, Ohio, passed away suddenly on July 23, 2023.

John was born November 4, 1951 to the late Raymond Sr. and Harriet Deibel Boyden in Columbus, Ohio. John was a member of the final graduating class of Saint Aloysius Academy in 1969. After high school, he went on to attend three years at The Ohio State University.

John left Columbus and moved to Tucson, Arizona where he lived for about seven years before returning to Perry County. Out west, John developed his skills as a plumber and would end up working this trade for over 50 years. John’s career was spent devoted to the New Lexington City School district, working in and managing the bus garage for 28 years.

John was extremely hard-working! Coming from a large family, John’s work ethic was instilled at a very young age. As an adult, he spent many long days earning a living to provide for his family. Anyone who knew him, knew how incredibly important his wife, children, and grandchildren were to him.

When John wasn’t working, he enjoyed cheering for the Buckeyes, softball Sundays at Teddy-Pops, playing a competitive game of euchre, snow skiing, or any event involving his grandchildren. Some of the best of times were when John stood on the sidelines cheering for his kids and the New Lex Panthers and leading post-game celebrations at Antonio’s. John loved his local community and was a member of the New Lexington Elks and Eagles and also the McConnelsville Eagles. 

John is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Judy Rae Hardin Boyden. John and Judy loved two-stepping, listening to music, and traveling to Michigan to mushroom hunt with best friend and cousin Curtis Deibel. John was an avid mushroom hunter who would find the morels so Judy could fry them up. John and Judy spent countless summers in McConnelsville at their summer home where they enjoyed cruising the Muskingum River on their pontoon and spending time with their friends making lasting memories. 

John was unconditionally proud of his four children and overjoyed anytime he got to spend time with his 18 grandchildren. 

John was a man of honor and integrity. He was humble, loyal, and selfless. His life can be defined by faith, family, and love. 

John is survived by his wife, Judy, children Jessica (Jim) Stroup, Jeremiah (Jennifer) Boyden, Justin (Caley) Boyden, John (Tabitha) Boyden; grandchildren Tyler (Bailee) Jones, Jayden Boyden, Alaina (Joe) Mohler, Myah Boyden, Kenley Stroup, Lyla Boyden, Ian Boyden, Camille Stroup, Lucy Boyden, Clay Boyden, James Stroup, Gabriella Stroup, Lucas Boyden, Claire Boyden, Brock Boyden, and Gwen Boyden; and great-grandchildren Benjamin Jones, and Eryn Jones. 

John is also survived my his brothers and sisters, Daniel (Sharon) Boyden, David Boyden, Anne (Francis) Brown, Mary (Richard) Saegert, Patricia Thorne, Catherine Dickson, Stephen (Sheree) Boyden, Thomas Boyden, and Elizabeth Boyden, sisters-in-law Roswitha Boyden, Roberta (Garland) Earley, Shirley (Fred) Anderson, and brother-in-law Burl (Kim) Hardin. 

In addition to his parents and parents in-law Alby Ray and Arlene Hardin, John was preceded in death by his siblings Raymond Boyden Jr., Paul Boyden, Michael Boyden, Scholastica Boyden, and Julia Stough; sisters-in-law Pirom Boyden and Melly Boyden; brothers-in-law Dean Dickson, Robert Stough, and Ransom Hall. 

Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 2pm-8pm and on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10am at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11am with burial taking place at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery. The reception will follow at Saint Rose Parish Community Center in New Lexington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ’s Table or Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Christopher Boyden, please visit our floral store.