Celebrating the Enduring Spirit of James Charles Dorton

It is with a profound sense of loss, yet also deep gratitude for a life truly well-lived, that we share the passing of James Charles Dorton, who departed this world on March 30, 2024. He was 83 years young, and honestly, he leaves behind a legacy as rich and varied as the landscapes he so loved to explore.

Born right here in Nashville, Tennessee, on a brisk January 13, 1941, James was the beloved son of James C. Dorton and Nancy “Elizabeth” Dorton. He grew up with a brother, George, who, sadly, preceded him in death. After graduating from Isaac Litton High School, James went on to attend Tennessee Tech, setting the stage for a distinguished career dedicated to protecting our natural world.

Indeed, James found his calling in environmental protection. He served the State of Tennessee in Water Quality Control before relocating to Georgia, where he continued his vital work with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Think about the impact of that work – ensuring clean water, healthy ecosystems. It’s a quiet heroism, really. Upon his well-deserved retirement, James and his beloved wife, Donna, made their way back home to Tennessee, a place that always held a special spot in his heart.

For 55 wonderful years, Donna was his steadfast partner, his confidante, his companion on countless adventures. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising their son, James "Jim" Dorton (married to Paige), and their daughter, Elizabeth "Beth" Dorton Ray (married to Stephen). James absolutely adored his grandchildren: Alex Dorton, Mary Elizabeth Ray, and Stephen Ray. He cherished every moment with them, and his eyes, you know, would just light up whenever they were around.

James was, by all accounts, a true Southern gentleman – kind, gentle, and often quiet, but with a thoughtful mind and a genuinely witty spirit. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor that could bring a smile to anyone’s face. He was generous, too, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. He loved his country deeply, and his family, well, they were his world.

His passions were many and varied. He was an avid outdoorsman, someone who truly understood the peace and thrill of hunting and fishing. Oh, how he loved crappie fishing, a tradition he shared with his own father and later passed down to his son. He was a traveler, too, having visited all 50 states! Imagine that – every single one. He held a particular fondness for the American West, the majestic beauty of Alaska, and the vast wilderness of Canada. And closer to home, he found immense joy in gardening, nurturing life from the soil. He also had a soft spot for sports, faithfully cheering on the Tennessee Vols and the Atlanta Braves, and he simply loved listening to music.

James leaves behind not just his immediate family, but also his dear niece, Jenny Dorton, the daughter of his late brother George. He built a life rich in love, service, and connection, touching many hearts along the way.

Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate James’s remarkable life at a visitation on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location, with the Reverend Dr. William L. Wilson officiating. Afterward, James will be laid to rest at Williamson Memorial Gardens. It’s a chance for us all to remember him, share stories, and simply be together.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in James’s honor to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, causes that undoubtedly would have been close to his generous heart. It’s a beautiful way to continue his spirit of giving.