James Burton Jr.

James Howard Burton, Jr., 92, of Battle Creek, died at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 of natural causes.  He was born August 20, 1929 in French Lick, Indiana to James H. and Ophia (Teaford) Burton.  Jim graduated from French Lick High School in 1948.  He was Honorably Discharged from the US Army in 1953 and he took pride in raising and lowering the American Flag daily.  He worked at Mott Carton & Paper Co., Ensign Printing, and retired after 26 years of service at the Battle Creek Enquirer.  He married the love of his life, Beverly Irene Heeter of Battle Creek, on March 17, 1953.  She preceded him in death on Sept. 6, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Bessie Parker of Louisville, KY, Margo Wolfe, of Paoli, IN, Ruth Chastain of New Albany, IN; brothers Floyd Burton of Hillham, IN and Walter Burton of Indianapolis, IN.

Surviving him are James H. and Rebecca (Kelser) Burton of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, Jeffrey A. and Julie (Johnston) Burton of Traverse City, MI; five grandchildren (Emily, Taylor, Lindsley, Molly and MacKenzie); six adopted grandchildren (Mallory, Rozlyn, Jessie, Ryan, Kristin and Morgan); six great-grandchildren (Webster, Winifred, Eleanor, Vera, Sloane and Rory) with more on the way and many nieces and nephews.  Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, mushrooming and gardening.  If you have driven down Sonoma Road in the summertime, Jim was the one who put out free fresh vegetables for anyone who wanted or needed them.  He closely followed high school and college sports, and enjoyed bowling, golf, and swimming.  He completed the annual Goguac Lake Swim at age 72.  Jim and and his wife Beverly held season ticket numbers 1 and 2 for the Michigan Battle Cats starting in 1995.  They loved spending time at their little green cabin in the woods on the Manistee River in Grayling, MI.  His favorite activities always involved being with his family, in particular his grandchildren, adopted grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He is the GOAT (brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend)!

Memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Cornerstone Community Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior the service, Pastor Paul Parker officiating.  A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service at church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnels to Towers, or Disabled American Veterans. www.henryfuneralhome.org