Jimmy Burton

Jimmy Day "J.D." Burton, age 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2018. The son of Dwight Arlo & Norma Jane (Low) Burton, he was born on April 6, 1945 in Great Bend, Kansas. As a child, JD was very active, he learned to draw, and to play and love golf. These are a few of the skills that he maintained and improved throughout his life. He is survived by his Father, Dwight; Brother, Randy Dwight Burton; Sister, Chyrl Jane (Burton) Buck; Son, Nathaniel James & Jillian Burton; his daughter, Nichole Day (Burton) & Kevin Deleon; as well as four grandchildren, Josselyn, Jacob, Joe and Abigail. JD began his professional life as a draftsman/designer with Lear Siegler in Florida in 1972. His skills, knowledge, and hard work made him a favorite team member on many projects. JD traveled the world going from Asia, Europe, to Israel, leading efforts on successively more complex systems and aircraft modifications and modernizations. By the time he retired in 2006, JD had managed more that 25 complex projects and had been promoted to Project Manager. Throughout his professional life, JD maintained his love of and proficiency at playing golf. Upon retiring, he chased the golf play weather; spending summers in Michigan, and winters in San Antonio, Texas. Travelling between them provided him with the opportunity to visit with family in Kansas. While in Michigan, he joined and actively participated in the Great Lakes Senior Golf Association. Getting involved as he played ever more, he was elected to the board and was active until this summer. JD's wishes were that family and friends would come together to tell stories and remember the person and friend that he was to all. A wake in J.D.'s honor is going to be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on September 15, 2018 at Brann's, 4157 Division Ave S, Wyoming, MI. If you are interested, please make your donations to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 630 Kenmoor Ave SE #200, Grand Rapids, 49546, which provided tremendous support and care to JD during these last few months. LONG LIVE THE RATATAN.. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jimmy Burton, please visit our flower store.