James 'Jim' Walter Burton

James Jim Walter Burton, 62, Rockford, died at 12:50 p.m. Monday, September 17, 2007.nbsp; Born March 9, 1945 in Plattsmouth, NE., son of John and Margaret McDermott Burton.nbsp; Graduated from Auburn High School in 1964.nbsp; Married Yung Thiesen in July of 1965 and then was married to Elaine Kelly in July of 1977.nbsp; Lived most of his life in Rockford, Huntsville, AL. and a brief time overseas while in the military as a ground radio operator.nbsp; Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam.nbsp; He received four medals for National Defense, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation, Vietnam Campaign Honors an Expert Marksman/Rifleman Citation.nbsp; He was a member of the American Legion Post 1207, Disabled American Veterans Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.nbsp; He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, horses and flying.nbsp; Jim loved his girls and his son beyond measure,. nbsp; Survivors include his daughters, Susan (Joe) McGough, Huntsville, AL. and Maria (Ruben) Hernandez, Rockton; son, James Burton, Corby, England; grandchildren, Jeremy Burton, Jessika Bulmer, Hannah and Katelyn McGough, Tyler Herramann and Nick and Mason Hernandez; father, John W. Burton; brother and sisters, Jack Burton, Betty Giglio, Kathy (Steve) Koteski, Mary Burton and Cindy Burton all of Rockford and his best friend, Steve Bradley, Madison, WI.nbsp; Predeceased by his mother, Margaret Rita Burton and his brother, Joey Burton. nbsp; A memorial mass will be held on Friday, September 21, 2007 in St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Brian Geary officiating.nbsp; Burial in Calvary Cemetery.nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Area Pregnancy Care Center. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.