A New Scholarship Fund Celebrates Judge Jeff Payton

A scholarship fund has been established through the Richland County Foundation to honor and preserve the legacy of Judge Jeff Payton—a man who dedicated his life to fairness and integrity, in the city he proudly called home.

The Judge Jeff Payton Scholarship Fund serves as a lasting tribute to his unwavering commitment to justice, community and expanding opportunities for others.

This Fund is dedicated to supporting minority students as they pursue higher education, whether through a traditional four-year college or a career technical education center. It is a fitting tribute to a leader who believed in the potential of every person he met.

Affectionately known as “Mansfield’s Son,” the judge’s roots were here. He graduated from  Malabar High School and returned home following college. He wore many hats during his  legal career, from earning an internship with the United States Department of Justice to serving as the first director of the Richland County Legal Services Association. His tenure as a juvenile court magistrate further highlighted his dedication to the community’s youth.

His journey was marked by a series of historic milestones:

• 1975: Began his legal career after earning his law degree from John Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.
• 1987: Made history as the first Black elected official in Richland County.
• 2009: Retired following a distinguished tenure as a municipal court judge.

Beyond the bench, the judge was a man of the people. He was a staunch ally of local unions, whose support was instrumental in his elections. He was famous for his ability to connect with residents from every neighborhood, possessed a legendary memory for names, and made it his mission to learn the “story” of everyone who crossed his path.

“He saw everybody as a person. He lived a powerful life and remained one of Mansfield’s brightest stars,” said his wife, Carol Payton.

How You Can Help

The Foundation invites everyone to donate to this fund. By contributing to this fund, you are directly investing in the next generation of local leaders, ensuring that the judge’s commitment to fairness and opportunity lives on.

To donate:

• Online: Visit the Richland County Foundation website.
• By Mail: Checks can be made out to the Richland County Foundation with the judge’s name in the memo line. You can also use appreciated stock or an IRA to make a gift. For more information call 419-525-3020.