JACKSON - James R. Deaton, 97 went home to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Wed, July 25, 2007. He was born at Wolf Coal Kentucky March 10, 1910 to the late Brantley and Sally Raleigh Deaton. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 73 years Florence Thompson Deaton of Jackson, one brother Woodrow Deaton of Lexington Ky, a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, several great-great-great nieces and nephews and many friends and relatives who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by three siblings who died in infancy, Joseph, Granville and Elizabeth; also sisters Aggie Deaton Turner and Armie Deaton Bowling, brothers Charley, John, William (Bill), Samuel (Sam), Edward (Ned), and Logan Deaton. He attended Breathitt County schools, Lees College, Berea College, and University of Kentucky where he obtained a Masters Degree in Agriculture. He was a much loved teacher in Breathitt County Schools where he taught for 30 years. Many of those teaching years were at Breathitt County High School where he taught agriculture. He was later employed for several years as area representative by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance Agency. He was a member of Jackson Kiwanis, past Board member of Citizens Bank of Jackson, was inducted into Lees College Hall of Honor and Distinction, received University of Kentucky college of agriculture distinguish alumnus award, Breathitt County Honey Festival citizenship award, Kiwanis citizen of the year award, and numerous other awards and honors. Even though he had many achievements he was best known for his humble spirit and Christ-like service to others. For the past 54 years he was a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson where he served in various capacities, including Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, Moderator and Church Treasurer, Throughout the years he also served in various positions of the Red River Baptist Association. Mr. Deaton was the true essence of Christian "JOY"- Jesus first, Others next, Yourself last. His kindness and humility endeared him to others. He was a pillar of ethical morality in his church and community. Like the ripples of a stone thrown into a pond, his spirituality, humbleness, compassion, kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and service to others have rippled throughout the lives of his beloved students, friends and family members who are better persons for having known him. They are comforted from the assurance that he will spend eternity with God and in knowing that in due time they will join him in Glory if they have experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Funeral Services will be Sat, July 28, 11am Deaton Funeral Home Jackson, KY with the Revered Joe Ernspiker officiating. Visitation will be Fri, July 27, 5-9pm, Deaton Funeral Home. His nephews will serve as Pall bearers. Published in the Lexington Herald-Leader on 7/27/2007. Lynda's note: I have a Brantley Deaton in my data but he was born 1825. I feel that this Brantley above must be a descendant of the one I have but no proof. Lynda ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour