James Grant Layton

At age 92, James Grant Layton, went to be with our Lord when he passed away June 26, 2016 in Dallas, TX. “Red” as he was known by his friends, was born in Roxton, TX, February 9, 1924. He was an active member at St. John’s Episcopal Church as an usher and involved in the men’s groups and other activities for many years.He was an avid sports enthusiast and received an offer to play Major League Baseball; however WWII interrupted his dream and he joined the Navy.He was assigned to the USS Helena in early 1942 at the age of 17.The Helena participated in the naval battles around Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands.The ship was sunk in July 1943, and Red with other survivors (referred as the "Kula Gulf Swim Club") spent 3 days in the ocean and 10 days on an enemy held island, before being rescued. He was the only medic with the survivors and for his heroism was awarded: Asiatic Pacific campaign ribbon with 3 bronze stars, Naval Unit Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Medal… Red is the last of his shipmates to go be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He married Helen Dorothy Layton and was married for 70 years.Dorothy and Jim moved to Dallas, TX in 1945, where he worked with the VA Hospital.He primarily focused on plastic surgery maxi facial prosthetics for wounded soldiers from the Vietnam War era.After retiring he went on to apply his skills, primarily with children, at the major Dallas hospitals for more than a decade.He never forgot his love for baseball and coached little league baseball for about 25 years. He was a moral compass influencing hundreds of young men.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, parents Willie and Non Johnson, andsisters Angie Mundy and Othella Ross.He is survived by 3 children:James G Layton, Jr. (Vicki), Mark T Layton (Beth), and Constance B Layton. Also, 4 grandchildren: Grant Layton, Courtney Peeler (Price), Katie Layton, and Mark Layton II; and one great grandchild Paige Peeler. Visitation isWednesday(June 29),4-6 pmat Eastgate Funeral Home, 1910 Eastgate Dr., Garland, TX, 75041.Memorial Services areThursday(June 30),1pmat St. John's Episcopal Church, 848 Harter Rd., Dallas, TX, 75218.