James Paxton

James was born on February 10, 1934, in Louisville, to the late James Tyler Paxton Sr. and Christine Johnson Paxton. He was a 1952 graduate of Louisville Male High School, where he played trumpet in the marching band and served as Captain in the ROTC. James served 12 years in the Kentucky National Guard. He retired from Ford Motor Company, KTP, where he worked as a paint booth operator and assembler.

His family was his greatest joy, and he would do anything for them. He enjoyed working in the yard, swimming, and riding his bike. He adored his grandchildren and treasured time with them, whether taking them to the zoo, going for walks in the neighborhood, or simply sitting together on the front porch or on a park bench at Pee Wee Park. He was rarely seen without his #1 Grandpa ballcap, a simple reflection of the role he cherished most.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Alice Paxton; his son-in-law, Charles “Cha Cha” Lurker; and his sisters, Mary “Pat” Boyle and Virginia Shireman.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Vicki Lurker, Christina Paxton (Jerry Munson), and Mark Waterbury; his grandchildren, Christopher Thornton (Viviam), Alicia Routon (Josh), Grace Paxton, and Matthew Waterbury; his great-grandchildren, Lindsay Thornton, Trevor Routon, Katie Routon, and Noah Routon; and his step-grandson, Cash Munson.

He will be laid to rest privately at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in James’s memory to the Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213.