James Royal Haughton

The Life Journey of James Royal Haughton

Earth’s Gift:

On December 23, 1937, James Royal Haughton was born to Rev. Gilbert Royal Haughton and Mrs. Annie Mae Haughton in Camden, Mississippi. His parents and his brother, Rev. Gilbert Washington, Sr.; stepmother, M. Grover Haughton; and sister-in-law, Jurasha Miller proceeded him into eternal rest.

The Dash:

James (Dad) began his earthly journey in the state of Mississippi. His father, Rev. G.R. Haughton, was an itinerant minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, so the family served various congregations in the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. Dad and his brother spent summers and some school time in Blevins, Arkansas, where they, enjoyed time with their “cousins-siblings” as he referred to them.

Dad loved to cook. He noted that his mother taught him and Harold to cook from her wheelchair, preparing them for life as they were young teenagers. Because of the family’s having to move, Dad attended 3 high schools but eventually graduated from high school and Campbell College, Jackson, MS. He then went to Allen University, Columbia, SC and graduated in 1959 with his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He returned to Mississippi and became an instructor at Campbell College.

In 1960, he enlisted in the Air Force and served for 28 years working in the Personnel Division. While serving in the Air Force, Dad received various commendations and recognitions. He retired as a Senior Master Sargent. After his retirement he worked in various administrative capacities, most notably at Bethel United Methodist Day Care. He later began working at H &R Block as a tax preparer. Throughout his 25-year career with H&R Block, he became a senior tax preparer, instructor, and office manager, receiving numerous awards along the way.

At the beginning of Dad’s Air Force career, he was ready to begin his family. The story is told and confirmed by Mom (Charlean), that dad asked her to marry him while he was stationed in California, and she was still in Mississippi. Dad orchestrated an unusual proposal. On a Sunday morning from the Pearl St. AME Church pulpit, our grandfather gave Mom an engagement ring. Mom says she was shocked! This began a marital journey of 59 years where he and mom led by example serving the Lord and demonstrating the importance of family.

As we entered new assignments, we were settled into school and church as soon as possible. Annette and Tanya were encouraged to follow this example in our own lives. Because Dad and Mom chose to live and retire in Texas, we know our extended family through summer visits, holiday visits and family reunions. Nicholas and Keara stayed with their grandparents during the summer and developed a special bond with each grandparent. Dad encouraged them often and let them know how much he loved him. They were definitely his pride and joy. He encouraged his nieces and nephews in the same way. He had an opportunity to meet his first great-grandchild virtually.

Dad served on the Steward Board and directed and sang in each of the choirs of the AME churches to which we belonged. While stationed in Guam, he sang in the Gospel Choir on base. Mom and Dad didn’t meet any strangers. They often welcomed young people into our home and provided a listening ear.

Dad loved to sing and would sing for anyone and anywhere he was able to get to. He talked fondly of his high school and college years of singing and traveling with the choirs. He continued that love and service to the Lord throughout his life until he gained his wings.

Over the last year, Dad told us and anyone who listened that we are to do the following:

“Stay Positive!”

“Stay Prayerful!”

“And let the Lord do the rest.”

Dad continued his teaching as he entered Heaven’s gate: Mom, Tan and I had the opportunity to hear dad singing, directing, and tapping his feet.

HEAVEN’S GAIN:

James Haughton leaves to his cherish memory his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Charlean D. Haughton; daughters, Annette R. Gaitan (Kim Gaitan), Kansas City, KS, and Tanya D. Haughton (Austin, TX); grandchildren, Nicholas T. Gaitan (Kaila Gaitan), Louisville, KY, and Keara N. Okolo (Raymond Okolo), Jefferson City, MO; great-granddaughter, Maliyah Gaitan, Louisville, KY; brother, Harold J. Haughton (Ethel Haughton); sister-in-law, LaVerne D. White, Jackson, MS; sister-in-law, Sarah Dortch, Jackson, MS; brother-in-law, Bill Gilmore, Jr., Jackson, MS; cousin-siblings, Martha Y. Brantley-Jackson, Eudora Mitchell, Gwyndolyn Pauley, John Wade, Cloicec Wade, Ida Francis, Sylvia Wade-Parker, Lemuel Wade, Edward Wade, Valmarie Jenkins, Dannette McMurtry, Hosea McMurtry, and Gloria McMurtry; nieces and nephews, Gilbert Jr., Tom, Craig, Sylvia, Gwen, Daryl, Selena, Valerie, Edwin, Lennise, Jay, Faye, Jarrett and La Shay; several great nieces and nephews and great -great nieces and nephews; godchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.