James Thomas Holton, 87, loving husband of the late Grace Kitchens McGraw Holton, entered into his eternal rest Sunday evening, July 2, 2017 at University Hospital Heart and Vascular Center. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 7 p.m. Friday evening, July 7, 2017, with Rev. Joshua Mosley officiating. Private interment will be in the Magnolia Baptist Church Cemetery.
One of three children of the late Elmae Ford Holton and the late Thomas Richard Holton, James was born and raised in Waynesboro. After graduating from Waynesboro High School in 1947, James proudly served his country by enlisting in the Navy. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved back to Waynesboro where he drove a gas truck for M.B. Jones Oil Company, then worked at Perfect Product manufacturing plant in Waynesboro after which he worked and retired as a Line Supervisor at Thermo King (Ingersoll Rand) in Louisville. He became known as “Walking Man” because he was continually walking the line at his job. After meeting the love of his life in 1973, James made significant life changes, one of which was moving to Gibson where he met and made a special friendship with Roy and Annette Black. In his younger years, the two couples did a lot of traveling together—Las Vegas NV, Branson MO, and Daytona Beach FL being his most favorite places. James served his Lord and Savior by joining the fellowship of Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church. Having a passion for all sports—football, baseball, basketball—he could be found in front of the TV cheering for his favorite teams. James never met a stranger and was always helping others in any way he could. He tried to always live by God’s command to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. A loyal, dedicated friend, James was unselfish and generous to a fault—as some would say, “too good for his own good”. His canine buddy, Molly, brought James much pleasure and joy. He also enjoyed the company of his self-proclaimed son, Larry, his sister, Sally, and special friends, Lawrence and Betty Johnson. Because of his health decline, he moved into Silver Linings Personal Care Home in Stapleton where he came to love all the staff and considered them his extended family. He also loved spending time with the “young preacher at Stapleton Baptist”, Rev. Joshua Mosley, and looked forward to their Bible study time. We mourn his passing but celebrate his hoJames is also preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Holton. Survivors include his step son, Larry McGraw (Yvonne); three step daughters; sister, Sally Holton Barefield (Jimmie) of Waynesboro; sister-in-law, Dorothy Clark, special friends, Annette and Roy Black, and Betty and Lawrence Johnson; 11 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and many friends.
Heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff of Silver Linings Personal Care Home for their loving, compassionate care.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 P.M. prior to the services at James Funeral Home Friday evening, July 7, 2017.
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James Funeral Home, 630 North Main Street, Wrens, Georgia, in charge of arrangements.