James Stephen Melton died peacefully at The Carpenter House on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, after a relatively short but intense battle with lung cancer. Steve, a native of Monroe, resident of St. Francisville, and former resident of Baton Rouge, was born August 30, 1949, and was 71 years old. A graduate of both U-High and LSU, he was a land surveyor for the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority for the state of Louisiana. He had planned to retire in November 2021 so he could enjoy the fishing he loved at Lake Rosemound and continue to cook wonderful gumbos and etouffees for his family, but God had other plans. He and his wife Darrylin nevertheless were grateful they were able to spend the last sixteen months of his life in such a beautiful and peaceful setting. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Hortense Melton. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Darrylin, and his three beautiful daughters and their spouses: Katie Macaluso (Chris), Ginna Aker (Allen) and Meredith Melton (Apu Borcar). He is also survived by and loved being Grumps to his five fabulous grandchildren: Hank and Maggie Macaluso and Austin, Grace and Elise Aker. Steve is survived by his sister Marilyn Merkle of Shreveport, his brother Don Melton of Houston, and his brother and sister-in-law Joe and Jane Melton of Rochester, Minnesota, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. There will be a private family celebration of his life Saturday, January 16. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 would be greatly appreciated.
