Payton St Clair Ginter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of Payton St. Clair Ginter, who left this world on the morning of June 19, 2025, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was just 25 years old. Payton was born on December 31, 1999, in Port Jefferson, New York, and was raised in the Cleveland, Ohio area. In 2021, he made his way to St. Augustine, Florida, where he began a new chapter of his life. Throughout his career, Payton held various positions that reflected both his strength and his compassion. He worked as a valet and bouncer and also served with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office. After relocating to St. Augustine, he joined St. Johns Family Funeral Home as a funeral assistant. There, he quickly became a beloved colleague and a comforting presence to the thousands of families he served. His coworkers and the community cherished him for his big heart, empathy, and unwavering kindness. A man of impressive stature and even greater gentleness, Payton was affectionately known as a “gentle giant” or “big teddy bear.” He embraced life with a free spirit and found joy in the outdoors—hiking, fishing, beach days, and any adventure he could discover. He was continually in awe of nature’s beauty and took solace in its peace. Payton was proud of his beautiful curly hair and had a deep love for music, often spending hours immersed in it. He also had a profound affection for animals, always surrounded by his loyal fur companions. Above all, he loved his family deeply and treasured the time spent with them. He is survived by the love of his life and soulmate, fiancée Jenna Brown of St. Augustine; his mother and stepfather, Deborah and Joe Johns of Homerville, OH; his father and stepmother, Steven and Kathy Ginter of Veedersburg, IN; his brothers, Craig Ginter (Tori) of Haskins, OH, Jack Johns (Brooke) of North Olmsted, OH, Ross Ginter (Sarah) of Hillsborough, IN, and Blaise Ginter (Cassandra) of Wallace, IN; his sister, Emily Johns of North Olmsted, OH; grandmother, Kathleen Johns of Rocky River, OH, ,; nieces Emmilia, Leiahna, Ava, Taylor, and Nora; nephews Benjamin, Elliott, and Clark; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Payton is preceded in death by his grandparents; Elizabeth Ellingson, Frederick Ellingson, Bert Massey, and Paul Ginter. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Payton’s love for animals, please consider a donation in his memory be made to S.A.F.E Pet Rescue, PO Box 840215, St. Augustine, FL, 32080. Payton touched countless lives with his warmth, compassion, and light-hearted spirit. His absence will leave an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Payton St Clair Ginter

December 31, 1999 - June 19, 2025