James Payton

Perry

James' life came to an end at the age of 63 on May 13, 2025. He was a multi-talented person who over the course of 24 years as a Medical Technologist and Physician's Assistant helped many people and saved many lives.

He joined the U.S. Navy at 17 years old and rose to the rank of Lieutenant over a 10 year military career. During this time he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Economics from U.C.L.A. He then went back to school and earned his Master's Degree as well.

James brought beauty to the world with his design and execution of Japanese gardens at every place he lived. When not working and gardening, James would get out on a roadtrip riding one of his well-loved motorcycles, an Indian or a Honda Goldwing.

As a complex person, those of us who knew and loved him were fascinated by his childlike curiosity to learn and experience everything. He loved the sea and as a sailor we will return his ashes to the sea and hope that she will help him find the peace that sometimes eluded him in life. Fly free James.