James (Jim) Laxton

James Howard Laxton (Jim) departed this life after a brief illness late Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was a husband, father, papaw, uncle and a friend to anyone who had the opportunity to be around him. Jim was a master of spinning a yarn, outdoorsman, and loved to socialize with his friends and family. Jim was always ready to help anyone that needed him, and he prided himself on being a friend to all and will be missed dearly.

Jim was the son of the late Howard and Marie (Hawkins) Laxton of Helenwood, TN. He was the loving brother to Zora, Judy, and the late Jerry Wayne Laxton.
 
Born June 6, 1949, in Scott County, Tennessee, Jim served in the United States Army and was a proud Vietnam Veteran (1970-1972). Jim worked in the coal mines in Kentucky and Tennessee for many years before moving to a career in asphalt for over 25 years. Although he officially retired in 2018, he did not stop working. He worked in his garage and shop rebuilding cars and keeping the family and farm running.

Jim was a member of the Black Oak Baptist Church, where every member held a special place in his heart. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Nada (Payne); Children: son, Darby and wife, Greta Laxton, daughter, Tara (Laxton) and husband Joe Don Lay, and son, Jade Laxton; Grandchildren: James Riley Laxton, Grady Coe Laxton, Nora Grace Lay, Lukas Payne Laxton and Jennings Dutch Lay; Siblings: Zora (Laxton) Cotton and Judy Laxton; Sisters-in-law: Lovada (Payne) Ferguson and husband, Doug and Marilyn (Kidd) Payne; Brothers-in-law: Tom Payne and wife Elaine (Duncan); Nephews: Sam Cotton and wife Dottie, Douglas Ferguson and wife Meghann, Travis Payne and wife Jennifer, Josh Payne and wife Kaley, and Kelby Payne; Nieces: Jeanne Love Ferguson and Nicole Payne; and many other relatives, close friends, and loved ones. 

In addition to his parents and brother, Jim is preceded in death by parents-in-law, Kenneth and Eva (Miller) Payne; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Kenny) Payne; and daughter-in-law, Jaclyn (Reed) Laxton. 

Friends may visit with the Laxton family on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 2 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 4 p.m. at Black Oak Baptist Church with Bro. Kyle Keeton, Bro. Crestin Burke, and Bro. Stevie Laxton officiating. Music will be provided by the Black Oak Choir, Greta Laxton, Junior and Doris Potter, and Tom Payne.

Committal service will follow in the Laxton Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Darby Laxton, Joe Don Lay, Jade Laxton, Riley Laxton, Grady Laxton, Lukas Laxton, and Jennings Lay with full Military Honors conducted by American Legion Post #136 of Oneida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laxton Cemetery Fund c/o United Cumberland Bank.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of James Howard Laxton (Jim).

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