James Melton

James (Jim) Alvin Melton went to be with the Lord at the age of 68 on July 30, 2025, at 1:48 p.m. at Envive Health Care in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, with his wife Debbie by his side.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Dennis George Funeral Home, 44 S. Miami Ave, Cleves, OH. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. and dinner will follow at Miami Township Hall, 112 S. Miami Ave, Cleves, OH. Friends and family are encouraged to join in remembering Jim’s life.

James will be laid to rest on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45428. Family and friends are welcome.

James was born on March 5, 1957, in Yuma, AZ, to James and Emma (Verrue) Melton, who preceded him in death. James graduated from Yuma Criminals High School in 1975. Upon graduation from high school, James enlisted into the United States Army, where he served in the 11th Armored Cavalry, Blackhorse Regiment, as a tank commander from 1975 to 1979. After discharge from the Army, James taught conversational English overseas in Japan for the Institute of Asian Evangelism. Later, James went on to obtain his bachelor's degree in computer engineering and welding from LeTourneau University in Longview, TX.

James was previously married to the late Gina (Miller) Young on April 6, 1985, and they had four children together: Gennifer, James, John, and Jamie. On June 14, 2016, James married Deborah "Debbie" (Simpson) Melton, and they shared 9 years together. James’ step-children are Melissa, Shaun, Blake, and Derek.

James grew up hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ shared by his parents, and he continued sharing the word where he was able, often leaving Bible tracts in public spaces for passersby to find. James greatly enjoyed being around others and helping people. He often volunteered his time with Habitat For Humanity, Celebrate Recovery, and other various groups.

In the beginning of 2020, James was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia. With this, there was a rapid decline in James' skills and abilities, but he never lost his smile, his laugh, or his desire to be around people.

James is survived by his wife, Deborah (Simpson) Melton, sister Sylvia (Charles) Mabrey, his children: Gennifer (Jimmy) High, James (Mercedes) Melton, John Melton, Jamie Amelia (Kenda’l) Williams, Melissa (Christopher) Mattingly, Shaun James, Derek (Emily) Courtney, and Erin James. He leaves behind 18 grandchildren: Natalee, Paityn, Liam, Chloe, Gabrielle, Jude, George, Harrison, David, Lucy, Kyla, Kameron, Kiana, Natalie, Kaylee, Devin, Gabrielle, and Bryson as well as great-grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his parents James and Emma (Verrue) Melton, three of his sisters Eve Watson, Phyllis Meade, and Nancy Tillman, as well as his step-son Blake James.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers and care received during this difficult time.

To aid in ending Alzheimer's, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association in James' name.

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