James Douglas Staton

James D. Staton (Jim) was a man of humble origins who grew up to become one of the highest ranking non-commissioned officers in the U.S. Air Force and an outspoken advocate for this nation's enlisted servicemen and servicewomen. As a charter member of the Air Force Memorial Foundation's Board of Trustees, he was instrumental in advancing the Air Force Memorial from an idea to a national monument. Jim tirelessly supported our aging veterans as the Chairman of the Board of the Armed Forces Veterans Homes Foundation. On August 13, 2015, Jim's "Voice for the Enlisted" was quieted and he joined the many fallen comrades for whom he advocated so passionately. Jim was one of seven children, five boys and two girls, born to the late Alfred A. Staton and Lora Lee McGuire Staton on August 8, 1937 in Ector, Texas. He graduated from Bonham High School in 1955 and subsequently joined the U.S. Air Force, as did each of his four brothers. Early in his Air Force career, Jim married the love of his life, Peggy, and they raised their four children at Air Force bases around the country. Jim rose to the level of Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force and retired in 1982. After leaving the military, Jim joined the Air Force Sergeants Association and served as its Executive Director for two decades. He was also the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Airman Memorial Foundation and the Airman Memorial Museum. In 2003, Jim retired from the Air Force Sergeants Association and spent the next twelve years dedicated to his family. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, and their four children: Jerry Staton and his wife Deana, Jimmy Staton and his wife Karen, Kim Sutton and her husband Michael, and Judith Estevez and her husband Jack. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Jerry Staton, Jr. and his wife Christine, Ashley Staton, Cole Kirby, Chance Kirby, Christopher Maxwell, Sarah Love and her husband David, Ryan Sutton, and Taylor Estevez. Jim's great grandchild, Nash James Love, is due in December. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 4PM until time of service to begin at 5PM at the Raymond Funeral Service, P.A. 5635 Washington Avenue La Plata, MD 20646. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 9AM. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Air Force Sergeants Association Scholarship Program in memory of James Staton at www.hqafsa.org/scholarships.html

James Douglas Staton

August 8, 1937 - August 13, 2015