John D. Boddie

Just wanted to let all know that to honor John's memory, I went for a skin cancer check. To my amazement, they found a skin cancer that was not at all visible. I encourage all of you to go for a skin check and hold John in your thoughts as you do. I feel that John acted to save my life in his very special way.

As our Shepherd, Fr. John was ALWAYS teaching us.
Even as we prepared for his funeral, he was teaching me.
Peg asked me to make deviled eggs for the reception after the funeral. On my way home from the pre-funeral preparations I purchased two dozen eggs. While boiling the eggs, one had a small crack so I went to my supply and added one. As I looked into the large pot of eggs, 23 were white and one was brown. I smiled knowing that he was emphasizing that on the outside we may be...

The light of Christ shone through Fr John and I was one of the many that had the privilege of being confirmed in the faith, married by him and having him officiate at my daughter's wedding. He was a good friend as well as spiritual advisor to my husband as well as myself. We count ourselves amoung the lucky ones to have him in our lives. - Pattie & John Sobieski

We are making a memory book of FAther John at the Church of the Visitation. If you have thoughts or pictures to share, please email them to the church at [email protected]. We would love to have as many entries as possible. Thank you!!!

John was an amazing person! Both my husband, Marvin and I have many fond memories of him. We met him in Marvin's first year as Director of Jamestown 4-H Camp. Marvin saw leadership abilities in John early on and promoted him to be activities director. Even in these early years, he had a major impact on people's lives as he worked with the kids and staff. His positive influence will live on and he will be greatly missed by many.

John, you were a bright and brilliant Voice in this sometimes crazy World...a Voice of Truth and Conscience and Hope. This World is a far better place for having had you in it. You will always be a part of our lives...Peace.

As an occasional visitor to Middlesex County, what a privilege it was to attend Sunday Mass at the Church of the Visitation offered by Father Boddie and to hear him preach. My deepest sympathy to his family, brother and sister religious and parishioners.

I grew up with John in Newport News - we used to walk from Stuart Gardens, where I lived, to St. Vincent de Paul's Church to visit and participate in the summer youth programs together - I was about 11, John was 12 - we attended Peninsula Catholic together as well - I remember when he entered the seminary - I told him I had always known he'd become priest - our lives took us in very different directions (me sailing around the world and running a horse rescue in RI and he being a priest) but...

To the Family and Friends of John Boddie,
My partner Helen and I both have very poignant memories of the courage of spirit displayed by John. We remember two particular instances at his parishes in Mathews and Middlesex where his actions brought us to tears. The first was during the many First Communion liturgies we attended where he would look each innocent little girl and boy in the eyes and say "Remember, that no matter what you do during your life, do not let ANYONE ever tell you...