S. James "Big Jim" Payson

Seth James "Big Jim" Payson, 89 of Battle Creek, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, October 19, 2017.

Seth James Payson was born November 8, 1928 in Downers Grove, Illinois to Gilbert Trowbridge and Isabel (Melcher) Payson He grew up in South Haven, Michigan and was a 1946 graduate of South Haven High School. Jim earned his Bachelor's Degree in History with a Teaching Certificate from Western Michigan University in 1950. Later he went back to W.M.U. and received his Master's Degree in Education. Jim taught history for 4 years at Richland before moving to Battle Creek Central High School, from which he retired 1988 after 34 years.

Jim was united in marriage to Patricia Joan Chamberlain on June 14, 1952 at Faith United Methodist Church in Delton. Sadly, Jim was preceded in death by Pat, his wife of 65 years. Surviving are four children, Thomas (Deb) Payson of Galesburg, James Scott (Viera) Payson of Belleville, Barbara (David Milewski) Payson of Rockford, Charlie (Karen) Payson of Battle Creek, seven grandchildren, Seth Larson, Ian Payson, Alex Milewski, John Milewski, Eric Payson, Bonnie Payson and Carrie Payson and his brother, Allan (Pat) Payson of Sylvan Lake. In addition to his wife, Pat, Jim was also preceded in death by his parents.

Jim was a member of First Congregational Church of Battle Creek. He was also a member of the Michigan Retired Teachers Association and the Michigan Sports Sages. Everywhere Jim went he ran into former students, parents and teachers and he took the time to talk, listen and remember the past. He loved history, being outdoors, hiking, camping, campfires, traveling, cribbage, baseball and spending time with his family and friends. He was gruff on the outside, but a softy inside. He announced over 150 straight football games for the Battle Creek Central Bearcats. In the early years he coached the Bearcat Cheerleaders. Big Jim was full of energy, was loud, competitive and had a great sense of humor. Jim was honest, dependable, had impeccable integrity and what you saw was what you got. You might have heard Jim say: "When do we eat?" "There's the door." "Its only pain, it will go away." Jim will be remembered as a man who welcomed everyone and accepted people for who they were. He was a friend for life and a parent who helped his children and grandchildren celebrate their own unique gifts and personalities.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be officiated by Rev. Thomas J. Ott in the Main Sanctuary of the First Congregational Church 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, 2017. A family committal and inurnment service will be held at the Memorial Garden at First Presbyterian Church in Richland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Community Foundation General Scholarship Fund in honor of Seth James Payson. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at http://www.farleyestesdowdle.com.