James E Payton

James Elliott Payton Sr, 78, died Thursday June 11, 2015 in Baton Rouge Louisiana. A native of Natchez, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Lola Mitchell Payton and Rabon D. Payton. Mr. Payton was a founding member of St. Jude Catholic Church, in Baton Rouge. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he began working at LSU in the comptroller's office in 1963 until he joined the staff of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine when the school began in 1973. In 1987, he received a staff award in recognition of meritorious service to the school. He retired from there as assistant to the dean for business affairs in 2000. Mr. Payton's family, especially his grandchildren, were among his greatest joys, and his garden, oh how he loved a good homegrown tomato. Against the wishes of his children, he still loved his Ole Miss Rebels, but had been caught pulling for LSU from time to time. His grandchildren’s love of the Tigers and his 40 plus years as an LSU employee made him a Tiger fan too.

Mr. Payton is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rose Marie Darsey Payton, his son James E. Payton Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Denham Springs, his daughters Tena Payton McKenzie and her husband Rickey of Brandon, Mississippi, and Selina Payton Reynolds and her husband Patrick of Baton Rouge. Grandchildren, Bobby Joe Payton, Weston Payton, Trace Payton, Payton Reynolds, and Gracie Reynolds and great grandson, Brantley. Sisters June Chalmers and Sandra Lofton and sisters-in-law Frances Joffrion and June Woolfolk. More than 30 nieces and nephews, his only Goddaughter, Anna Huffines and his LSU retiree friends who will miss having him join them for coffee every Saturday. Grand dogs Rascal, Sophie, and Chloe who will miss getting under his feet and on his nerves. He was preceeded in death by his sister Merle Trask.

Pallbearers will be Payton Reynolds, Weston Payton, Trace Payton, Gary Paul Joffrion, Daniel Huffines and Byron Prince. Honorary pallbearers are his LSU coffee buddies.

The family will receive friends at a visitation Sunday June 14, 2015 from 4-7 pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church Monday June 15 at 12 noon, with interment to follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. A reception will be held at Greenoaks Life Celebration Center following the services.