There are a number of great families with an extensive connection and history with Life University (Life U), but the Paxton family in particular represents an ever-present commitment to Chiropractic, to Lasting Purpose and to our school. The Paxtons have three generations of chiropractors in their ranks, from patriarch Dr. David Paxton to brothers Dr. Joshua Paxton and the late Dr. Jonathan Paxton. Dr. David Paxton Dr. David Paxton graduated from Sherman College of Chiropractic in 1978 and has been serving Rome, Georgia since 1979 through his practice, Paxton Chiropractic. He is also a respected member of the Georgia Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. He noted when the Paxton family was added to the beloved Generations Wall on Life University’s campus that he and his entire family felt honored to contribute to Life U’s ongoing history and to have that recognized. “Legacy means being a part of something bigger than me. Legacy also means, I like the term, paying it forward,” Dr. David Paxton said. All three of his children attended Life U, with two sons matriculating in the D.C. program and one daughter that decided to pursue an education credential elsewhere. Though Dr. David Paxton did not attend Life U himself, through his involvement in Dynamic Essentials (DE), he had a front- row seat to much of the first fleeting and beautiful days of Life Chiropractic College and naturally became even more connected as his sons actively worked through their chiropractic educations. “I originally went into Chiropractic as a profession, but soon into chiropractic school, I learned it’s more than a profession; it’s a lifestyle. It envelops everything we are. My children grew up in a chiropractic family, a chiropractic home and all that represents. I was very honored when they decided to come to Life U and follow in my footsteps,” Dr. David Paxton said. Dr. Jonathan Paxton The Paxton family legacy at Life U would not be complete without the input of Dr. Jonathan Paxton. Dr. Jonathan Paxton’s life is a perfect example of the need for making the most of every moment, as we never know the challenges that we may face and how much time we have. Dr. Jonathan Paxton passed away at the age of 38 on January 7, 2021. Though it goes without saying that the entire Life U community feels this loss greatly, Dr, Jonathan Paxton’s legacy still shines bright. He achieved a B.S. in Clinical Nutrition in 2004 before graduating in 2008 with his chiropractic degree and practiced primarily in Rome, Georgia. Jonathan was a member of the Georgia Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association, a second-degree black belt holder in Tae Kwon Do and an avid video game aficionado. Dr. Joshua Paxton In the wake of the loss of his brother, Dr. Joshua Paxton was left questioning the nature of legacy and what he is building for his family and community. Similarly to Jonathan, Dr. Joshua Paxton loves Life U so much, he also graduated from the University twice. He obtained a B.S. in Nutrition degree in 2007, which provided him with a solid basis for understanding healthy dietary habits to promote optimal wellness for his future patients. Then in 2010, he graduated with his D.C. degree from Life University, yet his chiropractic lifestyle has been a lifelong pursuit beginning with his first chiropractic adjustment just moments after his birth. He and his wife Jessica opened up Pax Family Chiropractic in July 2010. They have three boys, Caleb, Eli and Isaiah. Regarding growing an already stellar legacy, Dr. Joshua Paxton has picked up the baton seamlessly. In terms of his notable service to Life U, he has served as past President of the Alumni Association and continues to serve on the board since 2018, as well as a LIFEforce Tribe Member since 2013. “I really wanted to set out a battle cry that through the legacy that I leave at Life U, that would give my kids fertile soil to grow, to plant and to build the life that they want. I am very proud to be the son of a chiropractor, and I was very proud to be the brother of a chiropractor. And when the University gave us the opportunity, the privilege to commemorate that, why would we not?” He makes a point to connect with students and faculty regularly at many Life U events. Life U has recognized his efforts with awards on many occasions, such as the 2018 “Young Alumnus” award and the 2023 “Lasting Purpose: To Serve Award.” “We all have to be careful when we’re going generation two, generation three, that you don’t get too comfortable that you grow ungrateful for the privilege that it is to grow up and create a world in these principles and in these disciplines. So I was, instead of relaxed because I was familiar, I think I was a bit more on guard to make sure that I was making the most out of Chiropractic in our lives as a family,” Dr. Joshua Paxton said. “When people see my family’s name, when they see Paxton on the Generations Wall, I hope they think Lasting Purpose. I really do. That seems humbling to say, honestly, because that’s a tall order.” LIFE U GENERATIONS GENERATIONS WALL The Paxton Family Dr. Joshua Paxton (left) stands with his father, Dr. David Paxton (right), in front of Life U’s Generations Wall. 16 Alumni.life.edu | 2024
