John J. Boggs, 74, of Ashland, OH, passed away on Monday, May 21st following a brief illness.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Brownie D. Boggs and Theda C. Boggs, of Ashland, OH. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Virginia L. Boggs, of Ashland, OH; sons John A. Boggs, of Columbus, OH, and Jamie Boggs, of Ashland, OH; and his brother William Boggs, of Parkersburg, WV.

He was a graduate of Wooster High School and of The Ohio State University, where he received his B.A. in Anatomy. John served as a laboratory technician in the United States Air Force. Later, he was employed by Samaritan Hospital in Ashland, OH for 43 years as a medical technologist, histologist, and assistant to the pathologist.

Astronomy was one of John’s favorite hobbies, with a trip to Tennessee in August of 2017 in order to witness firsthand the total solar eclipse being his final, personal vacation. He was a long-time member of the Richland Astronomical Society, for which he served multiple years as the president. He was also particularly fond of American Eagles and would often be found in areas with known eagle’s nests looking through his binoculars from afar. He was a member and past-president of the Mohican Native Plant Society. Among his other hobbies included regular visits to the Cleveland Museum of Art and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 16th 2018, at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, 313 Center Street in Ashland, with Dr. Joann Ford-Watson officiating. Interment will occur at the Ashland Cemetery, 523 West Main Street, with the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard providing military honors. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Ashland, 320 Church Street, following the services at the cemetery.

For those not able to attend, condolences may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.