John "Jay" Steven Boulware

JOHN "JAY" STEVEN BOULWARE, 22, passed away Saturday morning, February 1, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Aiken, “Jay” was the son of Jennifer Diane Brown and the late Jared B. Boulware. He was a 2021 graduate of South Aiken High School, where he was an outfielder on the South Aiken High School baseball team. Jay’s love of baseball developed earlier and stayed with him throughout his life. He played little league ball growing up and continued to play for a men’s league after high school. He loved being on the baseball field as much as he loved watching it. He particularly loved his Atlanta Braves and watching Freddie Freeman.

In addition to baseball, Jay had a passion for fishing. He would go fishing anywhere with anyone any chance he got. He especially enjoyed fishing with his long-time friends, or “best buds” as he called them, Blaise Gray, Chris Long, Hunter Voldness, and Ivan Voldness. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his Uncle Clint.

Jay’s friendly, laid back personality endeared him to many. Jay could just as easily enjoy spending time with his friends’ parents as he did with his friends, and he was especially fond of Robby Voldness and Roger Gray.

As the only grandchild and the only nephew in the family, Jay was adored and even doted upon from the day he was born. His grandmothers smothered him with attention, and he was close to them and his grandfather, Steve Boulware, throughout their lives. His grandfather, John Brown, passed away before he was born, but there is no doubt, he would have loved him equally as much, especially since they shared a love of fishing and baseball. Jay had his Aunt Julie wrapped around his finger throughout his life, and his Uncle Terry loved nothing better than spending time talking about music, movies, and sports with him. Jay also enjoyed online gaming with his friends, and he loved animals.

Surviving are his mother, Jennifer Brown; aunt, Julie Cude (Clint), West Columbia, SC; uncle, Terry Brown, Aiken; and his long-time “best buds”, Blaise Gray, Chris Long, Hunter Voldness, and Ivan Voldness. In addition to his father, John was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Mary Brown, and his paternal grandparents, Steve and Doni Boulware.

The funeral will be held Friday evening, February 7th at 6 o’clock at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home with The Rev. Dr. Brad Willis officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, (letlovelive.org) .

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC