James Michael "Mike" Staton was born on February 20, 1952, in Birmingham, Alabama. Our husband, daddy, and Mets stepped into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during the church hour on Wednesday evening, October 16, 2024, at the age of 72, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mike loved his Lord, his family, and the churches he served with devotion. He taught his family to serve Jesus, each other, and the Body of Christ wholeheartedly. He had a heart of compassion for others - always willing to go the extra mile. He never failed to find time to play with his children, whether it was out in the yard or moving the bed across the floor wrestling. He was athletic and competitive and taught us the way to win in life was to "Focus". We knew our main "focus" was to always be Jesus. Mike was happiest being with family in The Great Smoky Mountains eating at the Little House of Pancakes, walking trails, driving to Rainbow Falls, or heading to Cades Cove. He loved snow and made sure we went during the wintertime. No one loved eating out more than Mike Staton and "hanging out" for a while after the meal was a must. Golf and fishing were his favorite pastimes.
Mike graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with two degrees on the same day. One in Pastoral Ministry and the other in Religious Education. He faithfully served the pastorates God called him to from 1984 through 2020.
Left to carry on his legacy are his wife of 53 years, Karen Sue Branch Staton, son, Justin Micah Staton, daughter Jamie Michelle (Michael) Morgan, daughter, Janis Sue (Wes) Hover, and son, Joshua Branch (Shannon) Staton; seven grandchildren, Samuel Hover, Jathan (Sierra) Staton, Jayda Hover, Stephanie (Kase) McLeod, Alex Morgan, Katie Staton, and Kara Morgan; and one great granddaughter, Stiles Staton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bobbie Staton, infant sister, Vicky, and grandson, James Robert Morgan.
The visitation and service will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Cottage Hill Baptist Church Chapel, located at 4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, Alabama 36609. Visitation for friends will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens.
Mike Bedford, Ronnie McCarson, and Michael Morgan will officiate. Pallbearers will be Samuel Hover, Jathan Staton, Alex Morgan, Kenneth Branch, Jay Seymour, and Lee Grissett.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to Dr. Ashleigh Butts-Wilkerson and Mobile Infirmary nurses for the compassionate care they provided during Mike's final days. Not one thing was taken for granted by family and never went unappreciated.
February 20, 1952 — October 16, 2024
Interment will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
