James Robert Thaxton, age 80 of Middletown passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017 at his residence. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 9, 1936 the son of Charles & Jessie Mae (Tyler) Thaxton. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, retired from Chrysler in 1994 after 30 years and attended the Trotwood Baptist Church.

He is survived by his children Clarence Edward (Tina Louise) Thaxton, Ricky Lee (Robin Sue) Thaxton, Anthony Dwayne (Vicki Lee) Thaxton and Sandra Louise Thaxton. 35 grandchildren, and 76 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Martha Jane (Brandenburg) Thaxton, 4 sons James Jr., Charles, Rodney, and Patrick Thaxton, a daughter Tonya Sue and 3 brothers Pete, Clarence "Dewey", and Harold "Red" Thaxton.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the BLESSING-ZERKLE FUNERAL HOME, 11900 N. Dixie Dr., Tipp City. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Hank Chaffin officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. Memorial Contributions may be made in James'' memory to Hospice Care of Middletown, 3909 Central Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45044. Condolences may be sent to the family thru this online guestbook.