James Paul Payton

James Paul Payton, son of Paul R. and Grace (Hamon) Payton, was born Jan. 29, 1946, in Escalon, Calif. He passed away March 1, 2025, in Mercy Hospital in Springfield. He was 79 years, 1 month and 1 day of age. James met Gale Lynn Azevedo at a school dance at the age of 12 and they’ve been together ever since. They were united in marriage in 1961, and two children, Teresa and James, were born to this union. James was saved and baptized at a young age at the local Methodist church in Farmington, Calif., and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. James and Gale have been members of the First Baptist Church of Mountain Grove since 1963, when they moved from California to Mountain Grove. James was a lifelong International Union Teamster member after 42 ½ years of service. He retired from Roadway Express as a professional over the road truck driver. His CB handle was “Slam Hammer.” He also spent 27 years on the Wright County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy and was first deputized by Sheriff Leo Bradshaw. James enjoyed his retirement by spending time with family and friends. He assisted the Rev. Eddy Cline with missionary work by leading a band at local nursing homes and continued doing the work after Eddy’s passing. He was also a Mason.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Grace Payton; and by his siblings, Pauline Rowe and Melvin Payton. He is survived by his wife, Gale Azevedo Payton; his daughter, Teresa Payton Weeke  (Alan), and his son, James Payton, Jr. (Paula Rorie); five grandchildren, David Weeke, Ava Weeke (Spencer), Jacqueline Weeke Rosenberg (Jason), James Payton III (Joanna) and Jordan Payton (Kylie); three great-grandchildren, Giannina Rosario Allen, Noval Love Allen and Judah Payton; nephew, Dennis Rowe; niece, Cindy Rowe Totten; and many other relatives and friends who will miss him very much. Visitation for James Payton was held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Funeral Services followed at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home with James Payton, Jr. officiating. Song selections were “How Great Thou Art” and “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You.” Those serving as pallbearers were Keith Holt, James Payton III, Greg Moseley, Jordan Payton, James Payton, Alan Weeke, Ronnie Holt, Ava Weeke and David Weeke. Honorary pallbearers were Terry Azevedo, Edward Linton, Randy Linton Harry Linton, Donald Emery, Ronald Emery, Ricky Emery and Mark Holt. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.