MONTROSE, Ala. ­— Jack W. Boykin, 71, of Montrose, Ala., passed away Aug. 25, 2011. Jack was born in Sylacauga, Ala.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Boykin and Lena Lewis Boykin.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Cowan Boykin and son, Allen Boykin, both of Montrose; and daughter, Elisa Boykin Rambo and son-in-law, Joe R. Rambo, both of Fairhope. He had two loving grandchildren, Christiana Boykin and Tommy Graham. He is also survived by his brother, R. Gene Boykin, sister-in-law, JoAnn Boykin, and two nephews, Greg Boykin and Paul Boykin; and other relatives, many friends and beloved pets.

Jack was a 1956 graduate of Sylacauga High School. He graduated from Auburn University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. Following college, Jack entered the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged as a lieutenant (O-3) in 1965. He received a master’s degree in management sciences from the University of South Alabama in 1971.

During his career, Jack worked as a process engineer supervisor for the Monsanto Corp. and a research and engineering manager for Ciba-Geigy before venturing out on his own to found several start-up companies. At the time of his death, Jack was chairman and CEO of Cello Energy, a promising alternative fuels energy company.

For his accomplishments in his field, Jack received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Auburn University College of Engineering, served as a member of the Alumni Engineering Advisory Council and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Huntingdon College.

He was proud of his service as a board member to several academic institutions including Florida Institute of Technology, Bayside Academy, the United States Sports Academy and Huntingdon College, to which he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees. From 1982-1987, Jack served as chairman of the State of Alabama Ethics Commission. He was a member and past trustees chairman of Fairhope United Methodist Church.

As a recipient of the Eagle Scout and God and Country Awards, Jack continued to support the Boy Scouts of America.

Funeral services were held at 5 p.m. Aug. 28, 2011, at Fairhope United Methodist Church. Visitation was one hour prior to service.

The family suggests donations be made in memorial to the NAJA Foundation, or the Kitten Kaboodle Pet Adoption program, 251-928-4585 ext. 103.