John James Peyton

Col. John James Peyton, U.S. Army Retired, age 91 of Gallatin, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025. 

John was born on December 12, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York to the late John J. Peyton and the late Beatrice Cullen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, John Robert Peyton and Mark Thomas Peyton; and his siblings, Gerry Peyton and Kathleen Peyton Bolger. 

He is survived by his children, Margaret “Peggy” Peyton St. Peters (Jeffrey), Theresa Mary Peyton, and Timothy Michael Peyton (Jennifer); siblings, Mary McGrover, Robert Peyton (Mary), Walter Peyton (Marita), and Edmund Peyton (Martha); grandchildren, Jason St. Peters (Kathryn), Brandon St. Peters (Ashleigh), Ryan St. Peters (Caroline), Sarah St. Peters, Natalie Peyton, Margaret Peyton, Katherine Peyton; and great-grandchildren, Alison, Claire, and Charlotte St. Peters. 

John was a devoted Catholic. He loved his family. John was a true military man and considered all soldiers “his people”. He proudly attained the rank of Colonel and was in the service for 30 years prior to retiring. He served in Vietnam for two tours and earned a Legion of Merit medal as well as a Bronze Star among other awards. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as the Vietnam Veterans of America. His military postings placed him in Germany and Iran in addition to many other places. He was a talented track star, receiving a full athletic scholarship to De La Salle Institute in New York City and Georgetown University – graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. He was NY State Champion in the 440 in high school and won first place for the mile relay at the Penn Relays. He continued his love of running throughout his life into his 80s and won many “Senior Games” competitions. After his retirement from the Army, he was a Realtor. He loved his dogs and is well known around this area for his most recent dog, Kevin, who loved everyone and was frequently seen walking with John in his neighborhood. He loved his Irish heritage and was president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He smiled with a twinkle in his eyes and was considered a charming man. He was very intelligent and social, always happy to engage in conversations with whoever he came across. He was very philanthropic and contributed to many organizations.

Funeral Mass for John will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Father Thomas Kalam serving as celebrant. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass at the church. Mr. Peyton will be laid to rest at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 240 in Sumner County, TN vva240.org or to St. Labre Indian School at stlabre.org. VVA Chapter 240 maintains Sumner County Veterans Park in Gallatin.

Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615) 822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com