James Robert Payton

Born March 26, 1924 in Chicago, IL, he lived in Wisconsin, Woodstock, IL, Deerfield, IL, Ocala, FL, and finally North Palm Beach, FL. He was a naval officer during World War II. After serving in the Navy, he graduated from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. He worked for Ford Motor Company, and Chevrolet Motor Company before owning and operating a Chevrolet automobile dealership for 20 years in Hartland, WI and later in McHenry, IL. Jim was a parishioner at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, North Palm Beach, FL, and a daily presence at Our Lady of Florida Passionist Monastery. Jim attended Central Michigan University where he played football. Always proud of his Irish and Catholic heritage, Jim was a fan of Notre Dame sports.

Jim was a loyal and loving husband and father. He was a role model to his children and a thoughtful and caring companion. Survivors include his children, John E. Payton (Denise), Joliet, IL; Joanne M. Henry (Albert), Osprey, FL; Robert J. Payton (Pamela) Lake Bluff, IL; James C. Payton (Conny), Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Richard J. Payton (Patricia), Acworth, GA; Thomas A. Payton (Natascha) Phoenix, AZ, his grandchildren, John Joseph Payton and Sarah Payton of Bozeman, MT; Clarissa Payton, Denver, CO; Brooke Payton and Miles Payton of Lake Bluff, IL; Maximillian Payton, Hanover Germany; John Connor and Amelia Payton, Acworth, GA; also his lifelong friend of 62 years and loving companion for the past 18 years, Elaine Dytrych, North Palm Beach, FL. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Doris M. Payton (nee Lilja), by his parents, John J. Payton, Sr. and Esther Payton (nee Seth), and by his brother Lt. John J. Payton, Jr., lost at sea July 17, 1943.

Relatives and friends are welcome at Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral Home, North Palm Beach, FL, Tuesday, December 30th from 4-7 PM. Services will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, December 31 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, North Palm Beach, FL. Burial will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth, IL on Monday, January 5th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lt. John J. Payton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, Loras College, 1450 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, IA 52001.