He’s a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business with a major in real estate, who also attended Georgia Tech. Although he once was a Yellow Jacket, he settled in Athens, a part of Georgia that bleeds red and black. He’s gregarious and approachable. Jamie Boswell is also a successful businessman whose desire to help his community led him to serve Congressional District 10 as a member of the State Transportation Board, a position he’s held since 2013. Now chairman, he sees infrastructure innovation on the horizon.
Raising cattle and growing crops. Raised on a farm in Greensboro, Ga. in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Boswell family raised cattle and pigs and grew everything they ate. It was tough at times.
We lived off a dirt road that went by my grandfather’s farm – we moved there right after WWII. Growing up on the farm was great – although the work was hard and never ending. Since bicycles didn’t work well on a dirt road, we rode horses instead and went hunting and fishing when we could. That’s where many of my favorite memories are growing up. I also enjoyed playing sports in high school.
Property’s his game. Boswell began his career in real estate in the 60s and hasn’t looked back.
I actually got my real estate license the same exact day GDOT turned 50 years old – August 16, 1966. I found my passion in commercial real estate. Residential didn’t fit well with me. I’m a numbers person, not an emotional person. So when we talk about whether a property works financially – I’m much better at that. When I opened my business in 1995, the timing was perfect. There was very little commercial development in Oconee County, but it was growing and I was fortunate to sell sites to Lowe’s, Home Depot and Walmart within a three-year span.
Innovation. I’m not sure I can put into words what the future of transportation is.
As fast as technology is progressing, what we are thinking today will be something different tomorrow. I think you’re going to see some innovative engineering and planning to move traffic around the country. Whether it is tunnels or double-deck roads – I’m not good enough, wise enough to envision what’s going to happen in the future. But I can’t wait to see it.
The King and The Godfather. And everything in between. Whether he’s listening to music, watching a cinematic masterpiece or delving into a novel, Boswell is a man of many tastes.
I’m dating myself, but I have seen both Elvis Presley and Liberace in person and they are my favorite performers. In college I listened to rock and roll, but now I enjoy Adele, Garth Brooks and a lot of country music. My favorite movies are old, especially
Gone with the Wind,
The Godfather,
Shawshank Redemption and westerns. My favorite book is
The Old Man and the Sea, and lately I’m enjoying Bill O’Reilly’s Killing series –
Killing Lincoln and
Killing Patton.
Outside the box. Boswell ran for an open seat on the State Transportation Board after working with GDOT to receive approval for a real estate project.
I am interested in trying to help solve problems and by thinking outside the box we can get things accomplished. My experience with the Department made me think that serving the people of CD 10 would be something I would enjoy and I could also be helpful to the state of Georgia. I’m glad I did it; it’s something that’s very rewarding.
Wise words.The Board represents the interests of the people of Georgia. Our goal is to make travel throughout the state as safe and efficient as possible. From Commissioner Russell McMurry on down, the individuals in the Department are focused on being the best in the country at their jobs and I believe they are.
Family ties. Boswell knows he’s a fortunate man.
Tuter—my wife of 52 years—has supported me through the good years and the bad – and believe me there have been tough times. We have a son, Jay, and a daughter, Beth, a daughter-in-law, Doree, and two beautiful grandchildren Taylor and Liza. I thank God every day for his blessing and this family.
