JC Staton

J.C. Staton, 78, known affectionately as “Juke” or “Jay”, was born Sunday, February 25, 1945, to the late William “Bill” and Lillie (Mercer) Staton as the 7th child and 3rd son of 11 children in Edgecomb County’s Pinetops, North Carolina. Juke departed this life peacefully on Thursday evening, February 1, 2024, for a better life bearing his cross of a long illness with patience and hope in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Juke’s early education, Elementary and High School, was attained in Pinetops, North Carolina, where he liked poetry and music. He was also known for dancing, listening, and singing songs by Sam Cooke, Marvin Gay, and recently, October London. He was a drummer in the George Washington Carver High School Marching Band. Juke graduated in 1963 from George Washington Carver High School. Soon after graduation, he relocated to Brooklyn New York and reunited with his older siblings and a host of childhood friends from Pinetops, NC. He worked for a few years at the Modern Millenary Hat Box Company. Before he was drafted to join the United States Army in 1965, Juke was introduced to his future wife, Catherine Louise Lashley, by Hubert Hart, his childhood friend from Pinetops. Juke served in the Army for two years where he found his passion for cooking and traveling while stationed between the Dominican Republic and San Diego, California before returning to Fort Bragg where he concluded his military career. Next, he returned to Brooklyn, New York in 1967 where he resumed his employment with the Modern Millenary Hat Box Company until he began working for the United States Postal Service. In 1970, he married his wife of 53 years, Catherine Louise Staton. From this union, Juke’s only child was born.

He continued to work between the United States Postal Service and the New York Transit Authority until he retired after thirty years of service. He was very much respected by his co-workers and supervisors. Juke consistently earned annual awards and recognitions from his employers that highlighted his strong work ethics, professionalism, and safety and care as a public servant and mail truck operator.

Juke adored his free time with friends in Brooklyn, NY for several years until he relocated to Ohio in 2003 to co-raise his only grandchild, Aaron Josiah Thompson. While in Ohio, he spent quality time with Catherine enjoying poker tables, slots, and concerts at various casinos, working in his yard to maintain a well-manicured lawn, and attending musical, athletic, and scholarly activities featuring his grandson, Aaron.

J.C. Staton lived a great life surrounded by love and support from his “squad” he warmly called his immediate family to all he met in Ohio. He was a well-liked man in his community.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Louise of the home, his devoted daughter Audrey Staton-Thompson, his grandson Aaron Josiah Thompson, his sister, Anne Elizabeth Reynolds, Charlotte, North Carolina; and numerous sister/brother- in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to cherish his memories. Juke was preceded in death by 5 sisters and 4 brothers (Lilie B. Mooring, Nina Ruth Knight, Ora Lee Staton, Cora Lee Green, Betty Jean Highsmith, William “Sam” Staton, Robert Lee Staton, John Staton, and Daniel Ray Staton), and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.