James 39;Jim' Walter Burton

James ""Jim"" Walter Burton, 62, Rockford, died at 12:50 p.m. Monday, September 17, 2007. Born March 9, 1945 in Plattsmouth, NE., son of John and Margaret McDermott Burton. Graduated from Auburn High School in 1964. Married Yung Thiesen in July of 1965 and then was married to Elaine Kelly in July of 1977. Lived most of his life in Rockford, Huntsville, AL. and a brief time overseas while in the military as a ground radio operator. Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received four medals for National Defense, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation, Vietnam Campaign Honors an Expert Marksman/Rifleman Citation. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1207, Disabled American Veterans Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, horses and flying. Jim loved his girls and his son beyond measure,. 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. Predeceased by his mother, Margaret ""Rita"" Burton and his brother, Joey Burton. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, September 21, 2007 in St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Brian Geary officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Area Pregnancy Care Center. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.