James Layton

James �Pudgy� Layton, 72, of Cartersville passed away Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Redmond Regional Medical Center. Born October 22, 1937, he was the only child of the late Lawrence Allen Layton and the late Jessie Mae Shepherd Layton.



A 1956 graduate of Cartersville High School, James was a four sport letterman. After graduating from high school, he earned his associates degree from West Georgia College. James took acting classes at West Georgia where his acting instructors included actress Susan Hayward.



James was a former police officer with the Cartersville Police Department. He was a former preacher at Allatoona Pass Baptist Church and had recently begun to preach again. James was also a veteran of the United States Air Force Reserve.



James retired from Georgia Power after a 20 year career. While with Georgia Power, he traveled across the state with the Power Town exhibit. James was also most proud of his involvement with Georgia Power�s project to relocate and refurbish the Vaughan Cabin at Red Top Mountain State Park.



James enjoyed fishing and camping. He also enjoyed trips to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where he went to various car shows. James was a huge University of Tennessee football fan. He loved people and never met a stranger. James was also a faithful member of Creekside Fellowship Church.



Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Rebecca Layton; his children, Robin Layton of Helena, Montana, Wesley and Tammy Layton of Cartersville, and Mark Layton of Cartersville; and his grandchildren, Lea Layton, J.D. Layton, Luke Layton, and Lexi Layton.



Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2010 in the chapel of Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Rev. Michael Abernathy officiating. Burial will be private.



The family will receive friends from 6 � 9 p.m. Sunday and from 1 � 4 p.m. Monday at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 430 Cassville Rd., Cartersville, GA 30120.