James Arnold Hayton

James Arnold “Big Jim” Hayton, 80, of Palmyra, died on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Charlottesville. 

He was born on July 13, 1945, in Charlottesville, a son of the late Hurston Arnold and Kate Rawlings (White) Hayton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Sue (Catlett) Hayton; a brother Joseph Hayton; and a brother-in-law, Kenny Catlett.

Jimmy worked as a Machinist at Sperry Marine for 46 years.  He was active in the community and served as a volunteer with the Scottsville Fire Department and member of Fox Memorial Baptist Church.  He loved being outdoors playing softball, hunting and fishing, and drag racing at Eastside Speedway.    

Survivors include two sons, Scott Hayton (Shannon) of Buckingham, and James “Bo” Hayton (Frances) of TN; a step-daughter, Pam Gregory (David) of Palmyra; grandchildren Brittany Miller (Derrick), Caitlin, Simon and Sophia Hayton, Ryan and Jack Coleman, Stephen Ryan Lloyd, Jessie Paige Layman (Tyler), Ashley Burruss (Cody), Tyler Gregory; great-grandchildren, Maelynn, Emmitt and Kane Miller, Kayleigh and Reggie Layman, Addy and Paris Lloyd; Hunter and Dakota Burruss, Weston Gregory; two sisters, Dreama Hayton and Lola Snoddy; and a sister-in-law, Susie Hayton.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Jimmy’s sister-in-law and her husband, Teresa and Melvin Marshall, along with the staff of Hospice of the Piedmont and The Heritage Inn for their care.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring.

Thacker Brothers Scottsville Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. 

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