James Frederick Boyd

James Frederick “Fred” Boyd was born on July 28, 1946, in Columbus, Kentucky, and passed away on March 11, 2026, at his home in Covington, Louisiana, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna Ward Boyd; his daughters, Jennifer Boyd Hebert and Alicia Boyd Reed; and his grandchildren, Lola Reed, Lucy Reed, Scarlett Hebert, and Miller Hebert. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Hedden and Rosslyn Scheideman, his dear friend Thomas Owens, whom he considered a son, and many lifelong friends. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, James Ross Boyd and Thelma Louise Brown, and his son, Austin Ross Boyd.

A proud Vietnam veteran, Fred began his career on the Mississippi River in 1971 as a mate on towboats in Memphis. By 1981, his skill and deep love of the river had earned him the role of pilot for unlimited tonnage from the Southwest Pass to Baton Rouge. He embraced the culture of New Orleans and continued working until his retirement in 2014.

Fred loved his family and his dogs—Vegas, Elsa, and Dudley—with a fierce devotion. An avid golfer in his younger years, he was also a talented poker player who twice won local tournaments. Known as the life of the party, he was always the last one standing and never met a stranger.