James R. Burton, 73, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 7th at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, MO, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.
Jim was born April 17, 1950, to Keith and Iris (Turner) Burton in Sedalia, Missouri. He was the oldest of 3 children and graduated from Raytown High School. Jim married the love of his life, Susie (Beltz) on May 23, 1969. He served in the Army from 1969 to 1972. He studied combat missiles and was an Expert Marksman, receiving the National Defense Service Medal. Jim and Susie began their life together in Huntsville, Alabama, then were deployed to Kitzingen, Germany, where they shared many memories and adventures. After returning from overseas, Jim taught math at the Electronics Institute and then became a Senior Systems Engineer and did extensive traveling around the country.
Jim and Susie built a beautiful life together and touched so many lives with their love and generous ways. They are a true example of how to live life to the fullest.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife and best friend, Susie, daughter Tammie, son Ben (daughter-in-law Lisa), and 3 grandchildren he truly adored, Dalton, Tanner, and Ruby. He also leaves behind a sister, LeeAnn Beltz (brother-in-law Bob) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Tammie Burton
8 Dec 2023Dad,
Christmas will be here soon and it will be 3 months since we lost you. Everyday, Mom, Tanner, Dalton and I miss you and reminisce about all of the fun times we had together. You are the best husband, dad and grandfather we could ever ask for. Thank you for the pennies from heaven and for all of the signs you have sent to us letting us know you are looking out for us. Our hearts are breaking not having you here with us. We will always be the Fab 5 and we take you with us wherever we go. Please hear our prayers and we all love you very much! Love you forever, Tam Tam
Tammie Burton
17 Apr 2024Dad,
Happy 74th birthday! Oh, how I wish you were here so I could make your favorite chocolate cake and get you the traditional flashlight gift. I always had so much fun finding you a flashlight that was not like any you had ever had! I found one in the pocket of your jacket the other day and the fish one in your desk. You always appreciated any gift you were given. Mom, Tanner, Dalton and I miss you EVERY single day. We will all be together this coming Saturday to celebrate you and your birthday. We hope you know how much we love you and think about you everyday. Thank you for protecting us and guiding us still. Love you forever, Tam Tam
Tammie Burton
17 Jun 2024Happy Father’s Day, Dad,
Today was such a sad day for us. We all miss you so very much! I really missed shopping for you and picking out a card that told you how much you mean to me. You have always been the best Dad to me and a wonderful Grandpa to Tanner and Dalton! Everyday we feel the pain of losing you. Mom, Tanner, Dalton and I will ALWAYS have a broken heart with you not here with us. Thank you so much for all of the signs you have sent us and for continuing to guide us and protect us! We went to Manhattan to release a balloon for you and Tanner attached one of your favorite flies you used to like to fish with! We also sat in the courtyard at Jardine and lit some of your flashlights and talked to you. I really hope you heard us.
I love you more than words can say Dad. Love, Tam Tam
Tammie Burton
26 Sep 2024Dad,
It is 1 year ago today that we lost you. Tanner and I share memories of you everyday. We love and are comforted by the many signs you send to us, especially when we need it the most. Yesterday, Tanner heard two songs on the radio. One song was about how you lived each day to the fullest and the other was a favorite song you and Tanner would play when you would go fishing in the fishing boat you both loved and made so many wonderful memories in. Last night at work, I was feeling sad, and I found the penny you sent me under my desk. It made me so happy! Tanner is coming home this next weekend and we are sending you a balloon in your honor. We appreciate you for watching over us, especially Tanner while he is away at college. Last weekend, Tanner showed me the beautiful lake that has a park bench where he sits and talks to you often. I really hope you can see and hear him. Thank you for the strength we get from you to get through the hard times and for the wisdom to figure things out. We miss you every day and we love you forever.
Love, Tam Tam
Dalton Burton
18 Dec 2024Hey Grandpa,
I really miss you, life just isn’t the same here without you. Thank you for helping me find my new best friend Katana. I really wish I could talk to you and get your advice. I hope I’m making you proud. I miss you so much and I think about you every second of every day. I love you so much.
Love,
Dalton
Tammie Burton
19 Dec 2024Dad,
I can’t believe another Christmas is here without you. Not a day has gone by without us missing you or remembering one of the million memories we have of you. Mom, Tanner, Dalton and I are so appreciative of all of the many blessings and signs you have sent our way. We know you are still with us, protecting and guiding us especially through the many times we are grieving from losing you. Thank you for keeping Tanner safe at college, for his beautiful apartment and very nice girlfriend, Erin, you sent his way. I also know you brought Mom and Dalton’s wonderful dogs, Graycie and Katana, into their lives to bring them happiness and comfort. I know you are there for me EVERY time I need my dad. You taught me so many things that help me so much as a single, independent woman and I am
forever grateful. You are with us always in everything we do and we will love and miss you forever.
Merry Christmas, Dad
I love you,
Tam-Tam
Dalton Burton
26 Dec 2024Grandpa,
Life without you is so hard. We had a good Christmas but it’s just not the same without you. I don’t mean to sound so down. Grandma, Tanner, Aunt Tam and I find comfort in each other’s company. We laugh we make memories. We are all trying as best we can. It’s just we all miss you. I’d give anything to call you on the phone again and hear your voice or to just give you a hug. Your little buddy loves you so much.
Love,
Dalton