Reverend James Edward Burton, 81, of Beaumont went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Saturday, August 25, 2018. Reverend James Edward Burton was born into this world on June 27, 1937 to W. J. and Josie Harris Burton in their home on Burton Road in Beaumont Texas. Although his journey carried him many places, he never left the area he loved and grew up in.
James started working at a young age delivering the Enterprise newspapers by bicycle. He was a busy man who loved the Lord and served Him until the end of his life.
James worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and retired from there after thirty-three years of service. During that time he surrendered his life to the call into the ministry as a bi-vocational Baptist minister. After completing his seminary education, James served as pastor of several churches in Southeast Texas. He and his wife Mary were also MSC missionaries and held services in area nursing homes and at Atria Collier Park for many years.
He and his daughter, Molly sang together through the early years of his ministry and he readily shared the Gospel in some way to those he met along the way. He, Molly and his wife Mary were honored by the Attorney General, Jim Maddox, for their work in the nursing home ministry. He went from place to place sharing Jesus to those he met, even into the prison and city jails.
James is also a Past Master of B.F. Quicksall Lodge #1370.
James will be reunited in heaven with his parents, sister, two brothers, and his son Jim.
Left to carry on James’ memory is his high school sweetheart and love of his life for 64 years, Mary; two loving daughters, Melissa Bolz and husband Daniel, and Molly DeMaio and husband John; seven grandchildren: Chrissy, Jordan, Amanda, Allison, Faith, Justin, and Gretchen; three great-grandchildren: Audrey, Wyatt James, and Wesley; sister-in-law Charlotte Ayres; niece and nephews; cousins; loving four-legged faithful companion, Sadie; and many precious friends as well.
Having graduated from French High School, the bond with fellow classmates is a treasure – yay Buffs!
Pallbearers are Jordan Dudley, John DeMaio, Daniel Bolz, Raymond Adrio, Lane Newell, Scotty Newell, Randy Williamson, and Phil Brooks. Honorary Pallbearers are Charlie Curry, Jim Cornelius, Craig Kearns, Ken Newell, Gary Hall, and Mike Martin.
To my precious family and friends, “Hang in there, God Bless and keep you til we meet again as He promised” ~ James
