James Carter Peyton

Born on October 8, 1953, in Washington, D.C., Jim was the beloved son of Richard Arlen “Dick” and Irene Peyton. He grew up in Houston, Texas, and was, above all, a deeply loved and devoted father and a truly special man. He lived his life with purpose, never speaking ill of others, and had a quiet ability to walk into any situation and bring a sense of calm—both personally and professionally.

He was the kind of man who put his family first in everything, and his love ran deep—a love that reflected his faith and the way he walked with God. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Irene Peyton; his wife, Rogie Peyton; his son Reid Peyton and his wife Ana, along with their children Elijah and Ariel; his son Todd Peyton and his wife Esra, along with their children Royce and Grace; his daughter Jennifer Peyton Gardner and her husband Will, along with their boys Carter and Cooper, his brother John Peyton, and his sisters Terry Hansen, Mary Bergstrom, Susan Overfield, & Rebecca Crowe.

Jim was the proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1976 (the centennial class). He was a Major in the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, a member of the elite honor guard the Ross Volunteers and served as Commanding Officer of Squadron 7 from 1975 to 1976. This year marked the 50th anniversary of graduating from the place he called “Heaven on Earth.” All 3 of his children followed in his footsteps and are proud members of Fightin’ Texas Aggie Classes of 2006, 2007, and 2008.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and left a lasting impact in the Engineering and Land Surveying community of the Greater Houston and Dallas areas for 48 years. He served as a Director of the Houston Council of Engineering Companies and was an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers. He was widely respected for his incredible knowledge and experience, and for the steady, grounded leadership that reflected who he was both professionally and personally.

In addition to the Lord and his family, Jim loved the Astros. If he wasn’t playing the part of husband, son, father, or grandfather, he was catching a game at the ballpark with family and/or friends, enjoying a hot dog and a Coke Zero. He also loved traveling the world with his wife, Rogie—the absolute love of his life and the woman of his dreams. Whether near or far, those trips were never just about the destination, but about the time spent together, side by side. She was his favorite place to be, and the life they built together was one of his greatest joys.

Jim was a man of deep faith, and it showed in the way he lived and loved others. He served in many roles within his church and especially loved teaching adult Sunday School. He had a special way with words—steady, thoughtful, and kind—often bringing comfort, clarity, or peace to those around him. Whether he was offering advice, teaching, or just talking with someone, what he said mattered, and people felt it. We take comfort in knowing that Jim has been welcomed home by his Savior, and that this is not goodbye, but “see you again.”

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23