NW Florida Daily News

James F. Dalton, age 54, of Destin, Fla., passed away on Jan. 1, 1998, at his residence due to an unexpected illness. He was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Greensboro, N.C. He had resided in the area for the past 8 years after moving here from Jacksonville, Fla. He was Baptist by faith. He was a retired firefighter in the Jacksonville area. He enjoyed the beaches of the local area and was also a sports enthusiast, both playing sports when he was able and watching. One of his hobbies was dancing. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. James was loved by many and had numerous friends, and it could often be said that, "He never met a stranger."

He was preceded in death by his son, Scott D. Dalton, and his father, James F. Dalton Sr.

Survivors include his mother, Mabel Ann Van Zant, of Gibsonville, N.C.; son, James D. Dalton, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; sister, Carolyn Davenport, of Gibsonville; grandchild, Tanner Scott Dalton; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins in North Carolina; and also his former wife and good friend, Carolyn Dalton, of Destin.

A memorial service will be conducted on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Shoreline Garden Town Homes club house, 930 Gulf Shore Dr., Destin, with the Rev. Ruth Turton officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to board The Yellow Submarine boat at 3 p.m., located in the Destin harbor dock area, to depart for the gulf and scatter his ashes. Floral tributes are acceptable and should be sent to his residence at 930 Gulf Shore Dr., Unit 6, Destin, Fla.

A final quote from "Jim," I prefer to have my family and friends celebrate my passing rather than to mourn my death."

McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., entrusted with the arrangements.