Deacon John James Melton, Sr., 67, of Palatka, transitioned into eternal life on Monday, January 19, 2015 at Putnam Community Medical Center. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, he was born on Thursday, December 9, 1948. The son of James Melton, Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Julia Douglas, he was raised by his maternal aunt, Mother Idella Watson. John was a graduate of Central Academy High School, Class of 1966. In 1972, he enlisted into the United States Army at Ft. Jackson, SC. SP-4 Melton served in the Military Police European Command and was an Amphibian Operator earning commendations to include the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter (Rifle M-16). He was also active in the U.S. Army Reserve before being honorably discharged. He was employed with the Smith Farms, Best Packers and was subsequently sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office in 1975, serving for over 24 years. He served on the PCSO SWAT team, was a certified breathalyzer operator, minority recruiter, and an undercover officer; participated in the "Officer Sharing" program and was recognized for his dedication. On November 13, 1982 in Woodbine, Georgia, he united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life Kathy Yvonne Porter. Deacon Melton surrendered his life to the Lord and was an active member and Deacon of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ. He served the Lord, his church and community with the spirit of excellence through numerous ministries. John was an avid sports fan and loved to go fishing. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in eternal rest by his brothers, Oscar McCray, Sr., Isiah Watson, Jessie Minors, and beloved aunt, Idella Watson. He leaves to cherish his memories: loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Kathy Melton, Palatka; children, Faye (Robert) Council, Celestine Bryant, Domanic (Rachel) Gaines, John (Shasta) Melton, Jr., Lloyd (Carol) Caruthers, Jarvis (Tina) Melton, Metoya (Torrence) Poole, Laquandra (Manise) Pedro, all of Palatka; children raised as his own, Nicole Flagg, Bellair, MD., Tameka Pickney, Darryl White, and Tammie Cuyler, all of Atlanta, GA., Nicole Jackson, Palm Coast; Tremaine Watts, Brianna Caruthers, Jordyn Caruthers, Amari Caruthers, and Jay Caruthers, all of Palatka; brothers & sisters, Nathan Dixon, Charlie Lee Melton, Sr., both of Palatka; Ellis (Alberta) Douglas, Sr., Tampa, Dallas (Pam) Douglas and Ethel Douglas, both of Gainesville, Gladys Miller and Annie Jo Dinkins, both of Palatka; 30 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; aunts, Vera Douglas and Aldean Watts (like a mother), both of Palatka; Louise Douglas, Hastings; and a host of other relatives, colleagues and friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m., Friday, January 30, at Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, 624 North 9th Street, Palatka, Superintendent Johnny Shaw, Pastor. Homegoing Celebration with PCSO/Military Honors will be 3 p.m., Saturday, January 31 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 719 Reid Street, Palatka, Reverend James McGriff, host Pastor. Deacon Melton's Pastor, Superintendent Johnny Shaw, is the Eulogist. Interment will be 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 2 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville.