James ‘Jimmy’ A. Burton Sr., Dagsboro pastor

 Pastor James (Jimmy) A. Burton Sr., 81, of Dagsboro, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, July 17, 2016, at his home.

Pastor Jim was born Feb. 11, 1935, in Goodland, Ks. He graduated from Millsboro High School, attended the University of Delaware, and enlisted for service in the U. S. Army where he was stationed in Germany and served for two years. He graduated from Northeast Bible Institute in Green Lane, Pa., and obtained his surveyor’s license while attending Bible College. He became an ordained minister through Elim Bible College in Lima, N.Y. Upon returning to Delaware in 1976, Pastor Jim, along with Pastor Bill Timmons, founded Dagsboro Gospel Fellowship where he was still currently pastoring. He fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a farmer, a minister and a cowboy, and had a strong passion for operating agricultural and construction equipment. Pastor Jim had been battling cancer for the past eight years but with the love and support of family and very devoted friends was able to maintain the farm and his ministry.

Pastor Jim was particularly influenced by his parents, the late A. Wayne and Mae A. Burton of Millsboro, whom he stated “cared for his soul.” He was also predeceased by his youngest grandson, Cory A. Burton, also of Millsboro. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Una Lee; and three children, Donna Revell and husband Jeff, Andy Burton and wife Becky, and Debbie Ash, all of Millsboro. He leaves behind 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 Pastor Jim’s life will be held Saturday, July 23, at noon, at Grace United Methodist Church, 330 East Church St., Millsboro, where friends and relatives may call from 10 a.m. until noon. Burial at Dagsboro Redmen’s Memorial Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

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.

Electronic condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com.