James William Burton was born on June 13, 1957, in Bakersfield, CA, to J.E. (Bo) Burton and Zelma Rae (Carlisle) Burton. He passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023 in Oklahoma City, with his siblings by his side, at age 66. James was raised in the MTN Park and Ravia area, graduating from MTN park in 1978. From a young age James loved Star Trek, whatever you wanted to know about any of the movies, characters, etc., he knew. He loved building many models of the Enterprise, battleships, and airplanes. He always loved sports, especially NFL, but was definitely, in his own words, " the biggest Dallas cowboys’ fan ever". James also loved all kinds of movies, recording his favorites, owning a collection of over 5000 movies. James liked to fish whenever he could, liked scratch offs and going to the casino. His family was always impressed by his memory, and he could tell you all of his 55 nieces and nephews birthdays. We will miss his wit, humor, his courage to continue regardless of his health or circumstances and especially his excellent memory.
James is survived by his siblings Brenda Lett of Ravia, David Burton and wife Penny of Cooper, Texas, Essie Smith and husband Richard of Lone Wolf, Rosie Duke and husband Jimmy of Maybank, Texas and sister-in-law Lynette Burton of Ravia, his nieces and nephews, Shane and Debbie, Tyson, Jeffery and Georgina, Amanda and Lenny, Trevor, Shannon and Suzanna, Chrissy and Shawn, Clayton and Crystal, Danna Lee, Brendon Dean, Johnathan, Shala and Mike, Shelby and Shaquille, Avery and Cassie, Bailey, Malissa and Ken, Katie and Pete, Genia and Fred, April and Joseph, Beau Don and Kalyn, 40 great and great great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and a host of other relatives and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents Bo and Zelma Burton, sister Joye Neasbitt, and brother Dale Burton.
Public viewing for James will begin Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., with family present to receive friends between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M., at Hartwell Funeral Home, located at 320 West Main Street, Tishomingo, Oklahoma, 580-371-3344.
Graveside services for James are scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 2:00 P.M., at Ravia Cemetery, Ravia, Oklahoma.
Memorials for James can be made to Ravia Cemetery, Diabetes Research Foundation and Hobart Nursing Center.
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