James Douglas Saxton's Obituary
James Douglas Saxton, 67, departed this life on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Lifecare of Hixson in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born in Decatur, Alabama on April 24, 1959, to Clarence Edward and Delores Saxton. He passed away surrounded by family who dearly loved him.
James was affectionately called “Douglas” by his family and friends. He was a member of Washington Hills United Methodist Church. He was educated in the Chattanooga Public School System and was a 1977 graduate of Tyner High School. He received an Associates Degree from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology of Tulsa, Oklahoma. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Douglas carried the values of discipline, honor, and commitment throughout his life, reflecting the strength and resilience instilled during his time in uniform. He was employed by International Quality Consultants-Baker Construction and was a Quality Control Inspector at several Consulting Firms.
Douglas was one of eleven siblings and grew up in a large, closely connected family. He held many fond memories of his friends in “East Town” of Decatur, Alabama, and he never forgot those early years or the joy he shared with them. Douglas will be remembered by so many who were blessed to share a lifetime of memories, laughter, and the deep bonds formed through a strong family foundation. The love and connection he shared with his siblings remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. He lived a life of service and was dearly cherished within the community. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on through the family he loved and the many lives he touched.
Douglas was preceded in death by his father, Clarence E. Saxton; brother, Gregory L. Saxton; grandfather, Edward Saxton; and grandmothers, Annie Matthews, Lorraine Saxton, and Christine Saxton.
Survivors include his daughter, Jamé Saxton of Bettendorf, IA; mother, Delores Saxton of Chattanooga who continues to cherish his memory; siblings, Clarence (Damita) Adkins of Priceville, Alabama. Wendell Saxton of Chattanooga, Ricky (Lawanda) Saxton of Grayson, Georgia, Ronald Saxton of Chattanooga. Monica Smoot of Nashville, Tennessee, Irish (Tony Ufere) Saxton of Marietta Georgia, Debbie Saxton of Chattanooga, Bridget (Christopher) Mastin of Meridianville Alabama and LaToya (Jemaine) Strickland of Powder Springs, Georgia; aunts, Sharon Burk of Detroit, MI, Mary Matthews of Chattanooga; and uncle, Earl (Gladys) Matthews of Decatur, AL; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and special friends, Kirk Kelley, Kendall Toney, Mark Bolden, Artis Toney, Eva Griffith, Ferrell Shaw, Quenette Dickerson and Jackie Spencer.
Douglas will lie-in-state on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Washington Hills United Methodist Church. Funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Terryl James as the Eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga, Inc.
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