James M. Payton, age 85 of Coal City, IL. passed away on August 19, 2024 at his home after a long struggle with lung cancer.
James was born on May 2, 1939 and raised in Kansas City, KS. He was a graduate of Wyandotte High School in Kansas City and Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK. He was a math and science teacher in western Kansas for several years prior to his 24 years of employment with Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. He held numerous positions with CBI and retired in 2000 as a Project Manager.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Claude M. and Violet (nee Debus) Payton; his wife of 37 years, Carolyn (nee Smith) Payton; his wife of 10 years, Denise (nee Fry) Payton; his sister, Carol Beggs, his brothers-in-law, Wayne Cowan and Merle Smith and his sister-in-law, Donna Anderson.
He is survived by his children, Michael Payton of Wilmington; Lawrence Payton and Andrea (David) McCollough, both of Coal City; his stepson, Dustin Westfall of Grand Junction, CO and his ste

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