JAMES LOFTON

1951 - 2022

JIMMIE JAMES LOFTON

Dec. 6, 1951 Apr. 29, 2022

James Lofton was born to Gladys Bennett and Jimmie Lofton in El Centro, California on December 6, 1951. He attended elementary school in Brawley and graduated from Brawley Union High School in 1970.

After graduation, James attended IVC. He hauled hay before being hired by the Imperial Irrigation District as a zanjero. James was employed with the IID for 41 years, retiring in August 2016.

James married the love of his life, his wife of 41 years Diane June 10, 1980. To this union, two sons and a daughter were born.

James enjoyed listening to music, gardening, fishing but most importantly, watching and coaching his children in sports. He coached Parks & Recreation basketball for 8 years and later coached Junior Varsity Girls Basketball at BUHS for 10 years. James played a huge role in the lives of the kids he coached on and off the court. James was a true gentle giant, full of love, wisdom, and laughter. He departed this life on April 29, 2022.

James was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie Lofton, mother, Gladys Snowden and stepfather, Muriel Snowden.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Diane Lofton of Brawley, CA; daughter Ebony Lofton of Brawley, CA; sons, Jermaine (Mykell) Lofton of Brawley, CA and Lafayette (Nycki) Lofton of Susanville, CA; brothers, Eugene Lofton of Brawley, CA and Phillip (Christina) of Brawley, CA; sister, Pamela Snowden of Katy, Texas; eight grandchildren who he cherished and doted over, Joaquin, Dante, Jeremiah and Demiko Lofton of Brawley, CA; Amaiya, Aiden and Amari Lofton of Susanville, CA and Honorary grandson, Derek Johnston of Holtville, CA; he was blessed with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing will be held on May 20, 2022 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Frye Chapel & Mortuary in Brawley. Service will commence on May 21, 2022 at Frye Chapel & Mortuary at 9 a.m. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery.