James Payton

James "Jock" Ellsworth Payton, 88, passed away to his heavenly reward Sunday, September 16. He was born in Hot Springs on November 29, 1923 to Joseph A. Payton and Orlean Roper (Middleton) Payton. He grew up on his family's farm, Payton Dairy, which he managed for several years after his father's death. James graduated from Hot Springs High School in the class of 1943. Some of his fondest memories were of playing football for the Trojans. He joined the Navy in August 1943 and proudly served as a gunner's mate on the destroyer escort USS Abercrombie. Following the war, he became certified as an electrician. In 1953 James married Dorisann Gulden, a pretty young nurse from Pennsylvania. They had two children, Gana and Gail. After traveling to work for contractors across the country, he settled back in Hot Springs. James worked for Arkansas Power and Light as a high voltage lineman for over 40 years, and was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. After retiring he kept busy with landscaping and installing home water sprinkler systems. He enjoyed growing a large garden. James was a faithful member of Oaklawn Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School teacher and many other capacities. He was a member of Sumpter Lodge 419, but enjoyed visiting all in the area, and also was a member of National Park Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. James was a Boy Scout growing up, and as an adult served as a committee member for Troop 10. James joined his wife Dorisann of fifty-three tears and one daughter Gana when he passed. He is survived by brother Joe Payton, Jr. of Hot Springs and sister Rosemary Sparks of Lompoc, California; daughter Gail and husband Rocky Sears, of Hot Springs, grandchildren Jonathan and Elizabeth Sears, and great-granddaughter Aubrey Sears, also of Hot Springs; grandsons Graham (Amanda) Eldridge, their children Katilyn and Aaliyah, and Neil Eldridge and his children Laney and Avery, all of Bay, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews who remember him fondly. His sense of humor and smile will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The family would like to thank the following: Alan Love and the staff of Alternative Care of Hot Springs for keeping James in a loving home environment the last 19 months of his life; the staff of Mercy Hospital 3West; and Arkansas Hospice. A service honoring the memory of James will be held Sunday, September 22 at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Oaklawn United Methodist Church or an organization supporting research and help for those suffering from Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

James Payton

November 29, 1923 - September 16, 2012