John J. Payton

John Joseph Payton, 67, of Norfolk, formerly of Walpole, passed peacefully on November 27, 2024. John was born in Kansas City, Missouri, April 16, 1957, to Charles Gordon and Catherine Pauline (Walter) Payton. John moved to Boston with his family in 1972. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, companion, and friend, Peggy (Kane) Payton of Norfolk, his adored daughter, Jen Violette, his dedicated son-in-law Tim Violette, and his beloved grandchildren, Emma, Alex, and Sam Violette, all of Portsmouth, RI. John is also survived by his brother, Charlie Payton and his wife, Terry, of Seattle, WA, his brother, Mark Nenner-Payton, and his wife, Rachel, of Hyde Park, MA, and brother, Jim Payton, of Kansas City. John was also the brother-in-law of Margie (Kane) and Michael Ciccone of Walpole, and Marie Kane of Carver. John was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Ray and Mike Payton, and his sisters Mary (Payton) Buckingham, and Kathy (Payton) Turner. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John was a man of many interests. He loved hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, bicycling, motorcycles, music, photography, oriental rugs, sunsets, swans, shooting sports, and CHOCOLATE! In his early teens in Kansas City he was a formidable track cyclist, a star track runner in high school at Catholic Memorial in West Roxbury, and in his 30s he was a nationally ranked bicycle moto-cross champion. More recently he was an avid participant in target shooting sports. John was a Civilian Marksman, winning many shooting competitions at the local, state, and national level.  John was a Lifetime Member of Braintree Rifle & Pistol Club and Westwood Gun Club. For many years he was also a member of Reading Rifle and Revolver Club, Nashua Fish & Game Club, Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Club, and Ames Rifle & Pistol Club. Recognized as a fierce competitor and a top-notch shooter, John was more widely known throughout the shooting community for his willingness to teach people about shooting and to share his love for and vast knowledge of the sport. More than all this though John loved his family and his friends.  John was a kind, caring, and loving soul with a quick wit and beautiful smile.  He was often referred to as a "gentle giant".

John worked for JP Noonan Transportation in West Bridgewater and Cassidy & Lee/NES Rentals in Canton. For many years he also worked part-time in the ski race program at the Blue Hills Ski area in Canton setting racecourses for student athletes.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday (12/8) evening from 4-7 PM and Monday (12/9) morning from 10-11 AM at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole.  Interment Monday at Holyhood Cemetery in Chestnut Hill leaving from the funeral home at 11:00, relatives and friends invited.

Donations in John’s memory may be made to:

Mass Audubon, 208 S. Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 Please reference: Stony Brook Reservation, Norfolk, MA 02056

Larz Anderson Auto Museum, 15 Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445

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