John Augustus Boykin

At the age of 85, John Augustus Boykin III, affectionately known as Bunky, spread his wings and peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at his home in Vineland, New Jersey, surrounded by family. Born on May 12, 1939, at Bridgeton Hospital to the late John Augustus Boykin II and Pauline G. Boykin, John was raised in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
John's education journey began in Bridgeton, where he attended Gouldtown Elementary and Bridgeton Elementary School (8th) before graduating from Bridgeton High School. Afterward, he attended Barber School and graduated in 1957. His academic pursuits led him to Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education in 1964. Later, he achieved a Master's Degree in Special Education and a Certificate in Supervision from Rowan University in 1992, and he pursued doctoral studies at Penn State University.
From a young age, John worked alongside his father at the Boykin Barbershop, gaining valuable experience. He then traveled daily to Philadelphia to become a licensed barber, working full-time and part-time throughout his life to serve his loyal clients. His passion for the craft led him to participate in numerous local and interstate hair shows, showcasing his artistry. He worked at several salons, including Boykin Barbershop, Williams Unisex Barbershop, Creative Hair Design, Juanita's Salon, and Raving Beauty, where he formed lasting friendships.
John was a talented athlete, joining Hampton Institute's track team in 1960 and later becoming captain of the Pirates football team in his senior year. Known as a tenacious two-way player, he often played nearly every snap of the game. During his time at Hampton, John became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, pledging in 1962 to the Gamma Epsilon Pi chapter. In 1989, he founded the Beta Iota Iota chapter in Vineland, New Jersey. He was honored as Omega Man of the Year in 1991 and again in 2015. That same year, he won the Masters Men's 100-meter dash for those 75 and older and triumphed in the 100-meter race at the Penn Relays for men over 60. John was also instrumental in founding the Omega Relays, an annual track and field event for local high school students, and he continued to lead the chapter during Achievement Week, celebrating local youth.
John's dedication to mentoring extended far beyond the barbershop. As a master barber and retired special education teacher at Rossi Intermediate School in Vineland, he also served as an advisor for the National Junior Honor Society. His passion for coaching led him to work with both boys' and girls' track and cross-country teams at Vineland High School, where he continued to coach even after retirement. John also directed the Visions of Hope Summer Academic Camp for Youth.
Throughout his career, John played a pivotal role in developing several South Jersey track and field programs. He founded and coached the Vineland PAL Track Program, the City of Vineland Middle School Interscholastic Track & Field Program, and Quick Silver Track Club of New Jersey (Founder), a USATF-affiliated team. Through Quick Silver, many young athletes traveled across the country to compete at local, regional, and national levels. He was instrumental in establishing the Eighth Grade Omega Relays, providing exposure and opportunities for young athletes, many of whom earned college scholarships. Coach Boykin was known for his dedication to "keeping kids on track."
John was an active member of several organizations, including the Bridgeton African American Union, Gouldtown Volunteer Fire Company (Secretary), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, NAACP, NJEA, CCEA, VEA, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Council for Exceptional Children. He previously served as president of the New Jersey Association of Black Educators, Cumberland County Chapter, and was a committed volunteer at the Martin Luther King Academy for Youth.
Brother Boykin, a member of New Bethel AME Church Vineland, personal philosophy was simple: embrace life with joy, excitement, and determination, always keeping God first and showing respect to others. He believed that by doing so, one could live in peace. He found great happiness in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. He had a love for photography, gospel and jazz music, sports-especially the Philadelphia Eagles, of which he was a season ticket holder-gardening, and traveling.
John leaves behind a loving legacy as a devoted father to eight children: Vickie Williams {Mother - Betty Williams}; Katherine Michele Sanders (Jenerio), Gregory Boykin (Zenaida), Douglas Boykin (Nicole) {Former Wife - Connie Garcia}; Larry "Butch" Boykin {Former Wife - Harriet Hill} & Tom Bell (Carla), Anthony Bell (Nancy) and Judith Louise Mosby {Predeceased by his loving wife - Ella Moore Boykin}. He was also a cherished grandfather to his thirteen grandchildren: Tony, Elizabeth, Amber, Ayanna, Amir, Aysa, Da'Shon, Rayshon, Nijall, Shadi, Trevor, Kiara, Autumn, Jermaney, Jayda, and Nakia Boykin and sixteen greatgrandchildren, all of whom adored him. Three sisters; Barbara Boykin, Ann Schnieder, Debra Boykin; Two Brothers; Sydney Boykin and Ronald Boykin Two Sisters-in-Law; Marcella Bartley and Beverly Brooks; Three Brothers-in-Law; Joseph Moore, Johnny Johnson, Rev. Daniel Johnson and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
John's life was one of service, dedication, and love, touching the lives of many and leaving an enduring impact on his community.