The Rev. James A. “Jimmy” Burton Sr., 81, of Dagsboro, Del., went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at his home. “Pastor Jim” was born Feb. 11, 1935, in Goodland, Kansas.
Burton graduated from Millsboro High School, attended the University of Delaware and enlisted for service in the U.S. Army, being stationed in Germany and serving for two years. He graduated from the Northeast Bible Institute in Green Lane, Pa., and obtained his surveyor license while attending Bible College. He became an ordained minister through Elim Bible College in Lima, N.Y. Upon returning to Delaware in 1976, he and the Rev. Bill Timmons founded Dagsboro Gospel Fellowship Church, where he was a pastor at the time of his death.
Burton fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a farmer, a minister and a cowboy, and had a strong passion for operating agricultural and construction equipment. He had been battling cancer for the past eight years, but with the love and support of family and very devoted friends, he was able to maintain the farm and his ministry.
Burton was particularly influenced by his parents, the late A. Wayne and Mae A. Burton of Millsboro, Del., whom he stated “cared for his soul.” He was also preceded in death by his youngest grandson, Cory A. Burton of Millsboro. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Una Lee; three children, Donna Revell and her husband, Jeff, Andy Burton and his wife, Becky, and Debbie Ash, all of Millsboro; seven grandchildren, Elisabeth Maloney, Rachel Streeks, Joshua Revell, Ashley Burton, Brandy Myers, Brittany Allen and Brook Ash; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great many friends and extended family.
A funeral service and celebration of Burton’s life will be held Saturday, July 23, 2016, at noon at Grace United Methodist Church, 330 East Church Street, Millsboro, Del., where friends and relatives may call starting at 10 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the service, at Dagsboro’s Redmen Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dagsboro Gospel Fellowship Church, c/o Duane Lynch; P.O. Box 7; Dagsboro, DE 19939; or to The Gideons International, Sussex County Camp; P.O. Box 281; Millsboro, DE 19966. Condolences may be sent online at