James D. Stayton

James D. Stayton, 84, of Eldorado, died peacefully early Friday, June 19, 2009, at Heartland of Greenville, where he had been a patient for a short time.

He was born October 23, 1924, in Eldorado, the only child of James Franklin & Edythe Lucille (Emrick) Stayton. James attended the one room Eldorado school, where he and several cousins had one of their Aunts as their teacher. When they graduated the 6th grade, they moved on to the Monroe School, where he graduated in 1942. Following graduation, he joined the Navy, but due to his young age, he had to wait until October of 1943 to enter into active service. His first love was flying, and he became a Naval Fighter Pilot, receiving his Navy Pilot training in Pensacola, Florida. Following active service, James joined the Naval Reserve, and retired in 1984 as a Lieutenant Commander. During his time in the Reserve, he obtained a degree from Ohio State University. He worked for Perfect Circle in Richmond, IN.; the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles; and retired in 1984 after 19 years as the Assistant Preble County Engineer. He was a village planner and land developer. Among others, he developed the east side of his home town of Eldorado. On April 15, 1950, he married the love of his life, Lorna L.Greunke. James enjoyed many sports, including bowling, fishing, NASCAR, and cycling – in which he went to the Ohio Senior Olympics, and earned a spot in the National Senior Classics. He was a past member of the Eldorado Fire Department and currently belonged to the American Legion Post #665 of West Manchester, OH and the AmVets Post #726 of Eldorado.

Survivors include his wife Lorna L. Stayton; son James Frederick Stayton (Kathleen); daughter Janet Sue Overholser; Grandchildren Dori Harrison (Mike); Leslie Stayton; Clayton Aikman; 3 Great Grandchildren, Peyton, Cameron and Madelyn Marie Harrison; many cousins.

He was preceeded in death by his parents and an infant daughter (1/13/1953).

The Funeral Service for James D. Stayton will be Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:00AM at the Bussard-Barnes-Vaniman Funeral Home, 311 N. Main St., Eldorado, OH, with Rev. Leslie Woodward & Rev. Kathryn Hawbaker officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Eldorado, OH. Friends may call Monday, June 22, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Eldorado Fire Department; North Central Rescue Squad; Eldorado U.U. Church. Condolences may be sent to the family via Guest Book at www.barnesfuneralhome.com.