Jimmy Dale Lofton

Miss you, Daddy. You inspired me in so many ways. You uplifted the family. You taught me to love learning. Your grandson Ben loves poetry just like you did. You wanted to make this world a better place. And you did. Thank you. Asante sana for being my father. - Your daughter, Robin

On Thursday, May 7, 2020, Jimmy Dale Lofton, III, beloved father and grandfather, peacefully passed away in Concord, California at the age of 84. He was born in Longville, Louisiana to Nelson and Queen Lofton. He enlisted in the Air Force in Louisiana and served honorably during the Korean War. In 1961, he moved to San Francisco, California. The following year, he married Mellanese Slaughter and they raised two children. Jimmy graduated from the University of San Francisco with a B.A. degree in Political Science and from UC Berkeley in 1971 with a law degree. He was a member of the Pennsylvania, Nevada and Texas Bar Associations. He was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Jimmy was a passionate attorney in private practice for more than 20 years. His practice included civil and criminal law. He enjoyed playing tennis, reading and writing poetry, fishing, and listening to Duke Ellington. He loved reading Shakespeare and lived by the words from Hamlet, “This above all: To thine own self be true.” Jimmy was preceded in his death by his father, mother, and eight siblings. He is survived by his children, Frederick Douglas and Robin Mellanese, his grandson, Benjamin Stanton, and many nephews and nieces. He will be buried at the Veterans Cemetery in Dixon, California. A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Equal Justice Initiative (support.eji.org) in Jimmy’s name.

I have so many memories of our time together. I loved fishing together. I loved sharing a beer at the dining room table with you. I loved discussing philosophy with you, especially Machiavelli. I am so glad that we had our time together at the nursing home. I see so much of you in my son, Ben.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.