James Burton, 87
James Raymond Burton passed away after a battle with cancer in Loveland, Colo., on Dec. 24, at the age of 87.
James was born to Howard and Louise Burton on Oct. 14, 1937, in Ronan. He graduated from Polson High School before going on to college at Washington State University for one year.
He and Audrey Nelson were married in 1957. He enlisted in the Air Force as a radio intercept operator.
He moved to Biloxi, Miss., for training and while in Biloxi their first child, Phil, was born. They were then stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, for three years where their second child, Cheri, was born.
After an enjoyable four years of military service, he returned to Montana to pursue a teaching degree from Western Montana College in Dillon, where their third child, Kevin, was born. He landed his first job in Scobey where their fourth child, Cyndy, was born.
After a year in Scobey, James moved his family west to Cut Bank, where he finished his career as a Montana history and geography teacher and state champion track coach.
James and Audrey built their dream home on Finley Point in Polson. After living through some dreary winters, they decided to become snowbirds and found a spot in Yuma, Ariz., where they had lots of sunshine and friends.
James was active in their church in Polson and their chapel in Yuma. He was a member of the Gideons International. He enjoyed golfing and boating.
James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Audrey (Nelson) Burton. She passed away last July.
He is survived by his brother, Kenneth (Carole) Burton (Florida); his four children, Phil (Sandi) Burton (Colorado), Cheri (Steve) Ralston (Colorado), Kevin Burton (Colorado), and Cyndy (Stephen) Boorman (Idaho); 10 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed by friends and family. His family rejoices that he is in Heaven with his loving Savior.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Polson at 10 a.m. March 29.