James Burton

Colonel James M. Burton USA, Retired - SAVANNAH - Col. James M. Burton, USA (Ret.), 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 Savannah Morning News May 1, 2015 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries.