ALLIANCE — James Matthew Payton, 50, of Alliance, died Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. The Ironton native was born July 21, 1961, the son of Carrie Eathel Knipp Payton of Alliance and the late Okel Dempsey Payton.

James was a former self-employed truck driver and a Mason. He attended school at West Branch in Beloit. He was an SAL member of the American Legion Post 166, of the Roma Society of Mutual Benefit, the Christopher Columbus Italian Mutual Benefit Society and the Dante Alighieri Mutual Benefit Society. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a son, James Matthew Payton, Jr.; a brother, Marvin Payton; and two sisters, Evelyn Payton and Carol Jean Payton.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by son, Jason Marshall Payton of Alliance; daughter, Amber Renee Payton of Brownsville, Texas; two stepsons, Matthew Deckerd and Adam Deckerd, both of Alliance; stepdaughter, Lola Decker of Alliance; five brothers, Garland Payton of Oklahoma City, Okla., Everett Payton of St. James, Mo., William Payton and Donald Payton, both of Alliance, and Lonnie Payton of Amarillo, Texas; a sister, Bonnie Hines of Alliance; and 11 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Frasure officiating. Burial will follow in Buckhorn Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.