Jimmy Payton Sr.

1930 - 2025

Jimmy Payton, Sr.

April 18, 1930 - December 10, 2025

Euless, Texas - Jimmy Charles Payton of Euless, Texas passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025 at the age of 95. He was born to Abram M. (Abe) and Virginia Mae (Jennie) Fuller Payton in Venus, Texas. In 1950, just as Jimmy was developing his fledgling love of the automobile industry, he met and married his true lifelong love, the lovely Helen Beseda. They made their home in Euless where they were deeply rooted, and they joyfully participated in building their community.

Deeply rooted, lifelong, community, family… generous, wise, humble, born leader… these are the threads that weave the tapestry of this remarkable life. Jimmy's ancestors came to Euless from Tennessee by covered wagon in the 1860s and settled there, helping to establish the First United Methodist Church of Euless (now Ash Lane United Methodist) where Jimmy was an active member for his entire life. At the ripe old age of 25, he was elected Mayor of Euless, followed by a stint as Municipal Judge. These were the beginnings of a life filled with service to community, all while starting a family and developing friendships that were, yes, lifelong.

In a growing Euless, Jimmy helped charter the First National Bank of Euless and served as its chairman for over two decades. He partnered in banking, real estate and insurance ventures with other community leaders, but his most defining endeavor came in 1966 when he and partner R. Leon Wright founded Payton-Wright Ford in nearby Grapevine, TX. Over his 32 years as an automobile dealer, he also served on and chaired the boards of the Tarrant County Convention Center, the Trinity River Authority, the Southern Methodist University Alumni Association, Harris Methodist Health System/Texas Health Resources and the Texas Motor Vehicle Commission, along with numerous other fraternal and civic organizations. But it was his devotion to and deep love of the auto industry that led him to serve as president of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association in 1978 and the National Automobile Dealers Association in 1988. If you asked what achievement was his finest, he would grin and share that he was particularly tickled to be appointed to the Trinity River Authority by 4 different Texas Governors from both political parties.

In 1998, Jimmy "retired" when he sold Payton-Wright Ford, but he continued to serve on various boards and commissions and help others pursue their dreams. He especially enjoyed his extra time as a loving husband/lawn boy and a doting Granddad. He was the glue that held together family traditions of gathering every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and he did his best to pass along his favorite virtue – leave everything a little better than you found it.

Jimmy was preceded in death earlier this year by his precious wife, Helen, just 4 months shy of their 75th Wedding Anniversary. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Jennie Payton and his brother, Jerry Payton. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Payton and his son Jimmy Payton Jr. and wife Chris. He is also survived by grandchildren Justin Payton and wife Madison, Matthew Payton and wife Kari, Natalie Payton, Callye Payton and Cole Payton, two precious great-granddaughters Holland Payton and Charli Payton, and a beloved circle of nephews, nieces and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lucas Funeral Home of Hurst. In keeping with his modest wishes, Interment will be at Bluebonnet Hills Cemetery following a simple graveside service on Thursday, December 18th at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Texas Health Resources Foundation, www.texashealth.org/foundation or to Ash Lane United Methodist Church in Euless, www.ashlaneumc.org