Jafus Franklin Boyd Jr.

Jafus Franklin Boyd Jr. 74, was born in Atlanta, GA.  He was the beloved son of the late Elder Jafus F. Boyd, Sr. and Ernestine Myrick Boyd.  Jafus was affectionately known as Jay.  He grew up in the Lower Hill District of Pittsburgh and attended Triumph Church.  His early education was in Pittsburgh Public Schools where he played baseball, bongos and enjoyed painting and drawing.  He graduated from Fifth Avenue High School. 

Jay started working at nine years old at a local bowling alley.  He then became a golf caddy which started his love for golf.  In 1968, Jay started at the Board of Education School District of Pittsburgh in a custodial role.  He was drafted into the US Army in 1970 serving in the Vietnam War as an infantry soldier.  He was honorably discharged in 1972; then returned to the Board of Education where he worked his way up and continued his career for the next 37 years.  While working he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and Retired as the Director of Plant Operations in 2005.  

Jay enjoyed traveling, listening to music, and playing golf.  He was a Christian and attended Covenant Church of Pittsburgh. 

August 20, 2023, Jay peacefully transitioned to an eternal rest, with his family by his side.  His memory will be held dear by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Elder Jafus F. Boyd Sr., Ernestine Boyd; son, Jafus F. Boyd III and daughter, Jaynell Francine Boyd. He leaves to mourn his daughter’s: Jewel M. Boyd, Tina M. Blackwell, and Gina M. Sawyer, siblings; Theresa D. Wilson (Walter deceased), Michael A. (Debbie) Boyd, Mildred L. (Charles) Johnson, and Mark K. (Amy) Boyd, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In his last words to his family, he referenced Frank Sinatra’s famous song, He did it his way!

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