James "Jim" Manning Burton

James Manning Burton, 69, of Battle Creek died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at The Oaks at NorthPointe Woods, the day after his 69th birthday. Jim was born June 6, 1951 in Battle Creek, the son of Frederic James and Elizabeth Marion (Manning) Burton. He graduated from Pennfield High School in 1969 where he learned the craft of printing. While taking classes in high school he started his own business, QRS Printing' from his Mom's basement. He then went on to own and operate Burton Printing for 40 years until his health no longer allowed him to work.

While in high school, he met his wife Valerie Sue Evans on the "beep line" and they dated for several years until they were united in marriage on June 15, 1974 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek.

Jim was always an achiever, he helped bring home a trophy for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for Pennfield High School. He was president of the Cereal City Chapter of Business Network International (BNI). Jim was formerly an active member in the Men's Group of First Wesleyan Church. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Jim got involved with the Parkinson's Support Group in Battle Creek. He loved traveling, camping and especially boating. He and Val put countless miles on their motorhome and cruised the Chain-of-Lakes near Indian River for many summers in their boat. Both Jim and Val, were members of the Flakey Fliers Camping Group and the Harper Creek Snowmobile Club. He supported his wife with the Battle Creek Chorus of Sweet Adelines Inc., and volunteered with the Lakeview Spartanaires as a chaperone. He was an avid U of M and Detroit Lions fan and always talked about the games that he was able to attend. He will be remembered as a man who loved his family, was everybody's friend, and loved making everyone laugh. Jim was an extravert that would talk to everyone and anyone about anything whenever he could. Jim truly loved connecting with all of his many friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Val; son, Matthew (Emily) Burton of Battle Creek; daughter, Michelle (Corey) Knapp of Galesburg; grandchildren, Alexis Burton, twins Montgomery and Violet Burton, Maisey Knapp and another granddaughter (Burton) due in July; his sister, Christine (Thomas) Beaver; nieces and nephew, Sarah (Tony) Postma, Jeffery (Cori Crawford) Beaver, Suzanne (Corey) Kape and their families; step-siblings Andrea Sheffield and Barney Cipcic. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth "Mickey" Burton; and his father and stepmother, Fred and Jewel Burton.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, a service will be held later when it is safe for all of Jim's family and friends to be together to celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Parkinson's Group at Senior Health Partners 200 W. Michigan Avenue, Suite 104, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Jim may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.