John Martin Boothby

John Martin Boothby reached the end of his wonderful life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the age of 59. John grew up in Long Island, New York where he graduated with a Regents Diploma of Advanced Designation from East Meadow High School. After he found his way South to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he went on to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston Campus. While at MGCCC, John led the golf team to its first-ever State Championship, beginning a dynasty of national titles.

With the grit and tenacity that defined a true entrepreneur, John met challenges directly and turned them into lasting accomplishments. Professionally, John was the owner of Apple Construction in Gulfport, Mississippi for over 30 years and recently became the owner of Southern Civil Infrastructure. He led these companies providing important and distinctive services across the Gulf Coast in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Apple Construction was instrumental in the Keesler AFB recovery after Katrina. They completed many projects on the base including Hurricane Hunter operational facilities, the much-needed military police shooting range along with key runway repairs. They also contributed to the building of the INFINITY Science Center. At Tyndall AFB, FL Apple partnered in establishing state-of-the-art facilities that impacted F-22 pilot training.

John served as the 81st Training Wing and the 2nd Air Force, both at Keesler AFB as their Honorary Commander. The Honorary Commander program pairs local civic, business, and community leaders with military commanders. His vision and influence were recognized by Air Education and Training Command (AETC) in San Antoinio, TX and he then served as the Honorary Commander for three consecutive 3-star General commanders over almost 6 years. It was during his time at AETC is where he pushed forward the idea for the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center. The Center is a cutting edge, uniquely partnered venture led by Mississippi State University and the US Air Force and Kessler AFB in Biloxi. John continued serving as a conduit between local, state, and federal leaders, both civilian and military.

John Boothby lived with a quick, sharp wit and a larger-than-life presence that filled every room he entered. His passion for life was absolutely infectious. Unapologetically charismatic, and clever, he moved through the world at a pace that often-left others racing to keep up. A solid man’s man, he was deeply involved in more groups that anyone could easily count- his golf games, his weekly poker night, his monthly Bourbon gatherings, the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine wine Club, The Krewe of Cork in New Orleans were among the few. He relished in the camaraderie of the Gulf Coast Carnival Association where he was a Duke on the Royal Court this year. He was also passionate about fast cars, which isn’t hard to believe considering this world felt a little slow for John Boothby.

John had a huge and giving heart. Each holiday season, he and a group of friends would pool their money and leave a spectacular tip for a waitress at a local restaurant – a simple but meaningful act of generosity that local media highlighted, reflecting the caring spirit that defined him.

Through a dear neighbor John met the love of his life Adrienne Pace. He was quick to admit that Adrienne was a better person than he was. He took great pride in the life they created together, filled with travel, time with friends, and sharing countless experiences. It was evident to everyone that John was so proud of the life he and Adrienne built together. They were married 24 years. He loved his family with all his heart, and they gave him immense joy like no other. Nothing could wipe the smile from his face when he was with his three sons and his grandchildren. Being around all of his family, were the best and happiest years of his life – certainly a life worth living.

In a classic twist of fate, John left this life the same way he lived it – courageously, with his usual tenacity and that unmistakable Boothby charm, all with his precious Adrienne by his side.

God must have needed Johns building expertise to organize a few more extracurricular activities in heaven. If we could hear him now, he would almost certainly say, in that familiar sarcastic tone, “God, I’m going to miss y’all!”

John would want his friends and those dear to him to do what he loved most: share a laugh, get together, play some golf, drink more wine, play some poker, and make more memories. All we have is moments, and John Boothby savored every single one!

John is survived by his wife, Adrienne Boothby of Biloxi; sons, Jonathan Boothby, Alex Pace (Linh) and Blake Boothby (Alexis); three grandchildren: Avery Marie, Ella Grace, and Braxton Martin; his mother, Anna Boothby; and siblings, Donna and Richie.

A graveside service will be held at Southern Memorial Park, 2076 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi at 2pm on Monday, November 2, 2026. A reception will follow.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Martin Boothby.