Celebrating the life of
Col. James M. Burton, USA (Ret.)
February 16, 1945 - April 28, 2015
SAVANNAH – COL (Ret) James M. Burton, age 70, passed away on April 28, 2015, at his home under the care of Hospice Savannah. He was born in Akron, OH to Floy Webster Burton and Frank Burton. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Judi, and daughters, Dr. Jodi Burton Gage and her husband Dr. Trevor Gage of Johnson City, TN, and Jamelle of Savannah, GA. He also leaves three grandchildren, Chadwick, Kaelyn and Jason Gage of Johnson City, TN. In addition he leaves his sister, Lyn, and brother-in-law Rev. Fred Chilton of Springfield, MO, three nephews, Vic, Alan and Brian and several grandnieces and nephews.
His military stature was only diminished when Parkinson’s Disease took hold of his body. He deeply loved his God, his family and his country.
Jim was a graduate of Youngstown State University in Youngstown, OH, and received his Master’s in Business from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI. He went on to a career in the U.S. Army, serving two tours in Vietnam and 22 years in Special Forces.
Some of his many awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V device and two oak leaf clusters and Army Commendation Medal with V device and two oak leaf clusters. He was a graduate of the National War College, Command and General Staff College and various other military schools. He earned the Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Wings and Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification badge.
The events of 9/11 moved Jim to the point that he once again offered to serve his country. He worked for the Central Intelligence Agency with time spent in both Iraq and Afghanistan. While with the CIA he was awarded the coveted Agency Seal Medal for his work done in Afghanistan from January 2005 to December 2007.
The family is most grateful to Dr. William Garrett and his staff for his excellent care over the past several years, also to Dr. James Lindley and his staff; and most of all to Pamela Henry, his very caring and loving caregiver who truly was an angel sent from God.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances to: Special Forces Association (SFA), P.O. Box 41436, Fayetteville, NC 28309; National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), 666 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10012; Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF), 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018; or simply to fly a flag of this great country which Jim was so proud to serve. Thank you for whatever your choice may be.
The family will receive friends at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, on Sunday, May 3, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. The interment, with Full Military Honors, will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
A true American hero, he will always be "Jimmy" to me. I remember the days he spent with my grandfather, when my late brother Mac and I got to hang out with Jimmy. We looked up to him so much (I always have). Burl and I send our deepest condolences and love to Jimmy's family.
- Arlene Young, Hendersonville, Tennessee
I am so sorry for your loss. I was married to Mac Fitzpatrick, who passed away in January, 2014. Jimmy stayed with us when he was visiting in Tennessee, and we always fondly remembered our visit with him and Jody. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Diana fitzpatrick, Goodlettsville, Tn
I am so sorry for your loss. I was married to Mac Fitzpatrick, who passed away in January, 2014. Jimmy stayed with us when he was visiting in Tennessee, and we always fondly remembered our visit with him and Jody. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Diana fitzpatrick, Goodlettsville, Tn
Karen and I were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a good friend. We worked together on several project to improve Special Forces. Jim was a doer and always had the welfare of the troops in the forefront of his thoughts and actions. He was a true soldier and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless
- Col (Ret) Paul and Karen Fisher, Southport, NC
We want to express our sincere sympathy as you grieve the loss of your loved one. We hope you can find comfort as you read John 5: 28, 29.
- Walker Family, Savannah, GA
I was Extremely blessed to have known Col. Jim Burton, and His lovely wife Judi and his precious daughter Jamelle. And the love Mr Jim would express daily to me about his wife and his two girls.He was a Amazing man. He loved the life he had in the military and I learned so much from him. Mr Jim loved life, he loved being a husband and a Dad,and Granddad. I will cherish all the time we had together. Our walks, his sense of humor. He truly loved life. He was so strong in his fight with Parkinson disease. He fought it with such dignity and pride. He really was one in a million. I will be a better person because of Mr Jim. It was such a honor to help him when he done so much for Our Country. I thank God for knowing him. And I know Mr Jim is in the arms of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Until we meet again. It was a honor Sir. Your friend & Caregiver Pam Henry.
- Pam Henry, Pooler, Ga
We are very saddened by the loss of Jim. We were friends for over 50 years. We have fond memories of our times with Jim and Judi in high school, college, and church. Jim's illustrious military career makes us proud to have known him. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Judi and the entire family. We are praying for you.
- Ernie & Lois Carnes, Hudson, Ohio
Linda and I are 3 yrs. Younger than Jim and always looked up to him and Linda when we were members of the Assembly of God in Cuyahoga Falls. When I read of the accomplishment,it makes me so proud. Thank God for men like Jim I wish I knew him better. God be with you in your time of loss. Linda & Jerry Miller Linda's maiden name is Feather.
- Linda & Jerry Miller, Stow, ohio
Both Rick and I are very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We have many fond memories of our years together in Ft. Bragg. May God receive his soul and give you peace in knowing that he is now free of his ailments and in a much better place. Judi, our prayers and deepest condolences to you and the girls. Rick and Mari Kelley
- Kelley, LakeRidge, Va
To his entire family, I humbly give this final SALUTE with all my heart and love for giving himself to his country for many years. See you in Heaven, SIR!
- Craig Johnson, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to read of Jim's passing. He fought a good fight in War and against what he got from that war.
- Rob Taylor, Savannah, GA
A true American hero, he will always be "Jimmy" to me. I remember the days he spent with my grandfather, when my late brother Mac and I got to hang out with Jimmy. We looked up to him so much (I always have). Burl and I send our deepest condolences and love to Jimmy's family.
- Arlene Young, Hendersonville, Tennessee
I am so sorry for your loss. I was married to Mac Fitzpatrick, who passed away in January, 2014. Jimmy stayed with us when he was visiting in Tennessee, and we always fondly remembered our visit with him and Jody. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Diana fitzpatrick, Goodlettsville, Tn
I am so sorry for your loss. I was married to Mac Fitzpatrick, who passed away in January, 2014. Jimmy stayed with us when he was visiting in Tennessee, and we always fondly remembered our visit with him and Jody. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Diana fitzpatrick, Goodlettsville, Tn
Karen and I were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a good friend. We worked together on several project to improve Special Forces. Jim was a doer and always had the welfare of the troops in the forefront of his thoughts and actions. He was a true soldier and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless
- Col (Ret) Paul and Karen Fisher, Southport, NC
We want to express our sincere sympathy as you grieve the loss of your loved one. We hope you can find comfort as you read John 5: 28, 29.
- Walker Family, Savannah, GA
I was Extremely blessed to have known Col. Jim Burton, and His lovely wife Judi and his precious daughter Jamelle. And the love Mr Jim would express daily to me about his wife and his two girls.He was a Amazing man. He loved the life he had in the military and I learned so much from him. Mr Jim loved life, he loved being a husband and a Dad,and Granddad. I will cherish all the time we had together. Our walks, his sense of humor. He truly loved life. He was so strong in his fight with Parkinson disease. He fought it with such dignity and pride. He really was one in a million. I will be a better person because of Mr Jim. It was such a honor to help him when he done so much for Our Country. I thank God for knowing him. And I know Mr Jim is in the arms of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Until we meet again. It was a honor Sir. Your friend & Caregiver Pam Henry.
- Pam Henry, Pooler, Ga
We are very saddened by the loss of Jim. We were friends for over 50 years. We have fond memories of our times with Jim and Judi in high school, college, and church. Jim's illustrious military career makes us proud to have known him. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Judi and the entire family. We are praying for you.
- Ernie & Lois Carnes, Hudson, Ohio
Linda and I are 3 yrs. Younger than Jim and always looked up to him and Linda when we were members of the Assembly of God in Cuyahoga Falls. When I read of the accomplishment,it makes me so proud. Thank God for men like Jim I wish I knew him better. God be with you in your time of loss. Linda & Jerry Miller Linda's maiden name is Feather.
- Linda & Jerry Miller, Stow, ohio
Both Rick and I are very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We have many fond memories of our years together in Ft. Bragg. May God receive his soul and give you peace in knowing that he is now free of his ailments and in a much better place. Judi, our prayers and deepest condolences to you and the girls. Rick and Mari Kelley
- Kelley, LakeRidge, Va
To his entire family, I humbly give this final SALUTE with all my heart and love for giving himself to his country for many years. See you in Heaven, SIR!
- Craig Johnson, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to read of Jim's passing. He fought a good fight in War and against what he got from that war.
- Rob Taylor, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
