James Burton

James Earl Burton, 53, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away Friday, March 3, 2006, near his home in Myrtle Beach, SC. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 11, 2006 at Refreshing Fountain Church of God in Christ, 175 S. Euclid in Benton Harbor, with Rev. Melvin Burton officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Those wishing to send a condolence message or sign the guest book may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. James was born June 15, 1952 in Benton Harbor. He was the son of Luther James and Early Mae Burton. He was a faithful member of Refreshing Fountains and at one time was president of the Usher Board. He loved his family and enjoyed fishing. He was a caring, loving, and giving person as well as a good father, brother, and friend. “He loved people and was full of life.” James is survived by his 9 children, Sharnet Alexander and Rochelle Wilson of North Carolina, Nicole Lipsey, Dana Lipsey, and Jamul Lipsey of Saginaw, MI, Crystal (Terrance) Shrivers of Fort Wayne, IN, Javis Brown of Lansing, and Korey Smith and Terrell Burton both of Benton Harbor; brothers, Andrew & Otis Burton of Benton Harbor, Charles (Marsha) Burton of Covington, GA; sisters Dorothy Whitfield and Rita (Carl) Matthews of Benton Harbor, Bee Forman and Liz (Stacy) of Lansing, and Gwen (Doug) Johnson of Atherton, TX; and 12 grandchildren. In addition to her parents, James was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Helen and one nephew.