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 34 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 stepdaughter, Jaime (Brandon) Bartholomew of Monesson, PA.; his sister, Nancy Cowan of Kansas City; his brother in law, Richard Beggs of Kansas City and his brother in law, Al Anderson of McAllen,TX. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Taylor Wilson, Maggie McCollough, Christopher McCollough, Lane Payton, Alicia Visnaukas, Adrianne Galbraith, Angelie Bartholomew, Aubrie Bartholomew; 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Ferrari Funeral Services, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL. 60416.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am on Monday, August 26, 2024 at the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road, Coal City, IL. 60416. Rev. Dr. Jay Regennitter will officiate. Burial will follow at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.