James W. "Jim" Payton

James W. “Jim” Payton, 73, of Rockford passed away Friday, May 6, 2016 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, on April 20, 1943, the son of Ralph and Mary (Halsted) Payton. Jim was a veteran serving in the United States Navy. He retired from Chrysler in 1991. He was an avid flea marketer and loved to mow grass.
Survived by his loving family, wife, Frankie; mother, Mary Payton; son, James “Jamie” (Marie) Payton Jr.; grandchildren, Kolton Benson and Nicholas, Austin and Zachary Payton; great-grandson, Johnathon Benson; siblings, Mary Jean (David) Curtis, Dick Payton and Bob Payton; special friends, Mark and Kimberly Gray. Predeceased by his father, Ralph.
Funeral service will be at noon on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial at Highland Garden of Memories Cemetery, Belvidere. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.