James Lawrence Burton

James Lawrence Burton, lovingly known as Jim, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in Baltimore City on September 27, 1941, Jim was the son of first-generation American parents of English and Irish descent. He lived a life marked by devotion to family, public service, and quiet generosity.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mary (nee Smith) and Lawrence E. Burton, and was dear brother to the late Jack Burton (Charlotte) and Mary Keenan (Paul).

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ann Burton (nee Magalski); his loving sons Dennis Burton (Minda) and Michael Burton (Rana); He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren Morgan Pecora (Matt), Thomas Burton, and Alexander Burton; James was a proud great-grandfather to Myla Pecora and Jackson Pecora. He is survived by many cousins, friends, and family.

On May 11, 1963, Jim married Mary Ann, the love of his life, in Baltimore, Maryland. Their marriage of more than sixty years was a testament to enduring love, loyalty, and partnership. Together, they raised their sons, Dennis and Michael, who were the pride and joy of Jim’s life. Jim was a devoted grandfather to Morgan, Thomas, and Alexander, and a proud great-grandfather to Myla and Jackson. Family was always at the center of Jim’s life, and he took great joy in supporting, encouraging, and spending time with each generation.

Jim received his early education at Shrine of the Little Flower School in Baltimore and graduated from Mount St. Joseph High School in Irvington, Maryland. He continued his studies at Baltimore Junior College and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Baltimore Evening School, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to hard work and perseverance.

He served honorably in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and spent his professional career with the District Court of Maryland, where he worked as an Auditor and Court Commissioner until his retirement in April 2003. His work reflected his integrity, fairness, and dedication to public service.

Jim had a lifelong love of sports. He enjoyed watching the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, University of Maryland athletics, Notre Dame football, and NASCAR racing. He was also deeply involved in youth sports, having played drums in the Little Flower Drum Corps, coached his sons in baseball and soccer, refereed youth football, and umpired youth baseball. He rarely missed a game and was a constant, encouraging presence on the sidelines.

Travel brought Jim great joy, especially trips to Ocean City, Maryland, St. Michael’s, and Deep Creek Lake. He took ten cruises to destinations including Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, and New England, and enjoyed visiting many notable places across the United States and Canada.

In 2015, Jim moved to Oak Crest in Parkville, Maryland, where he continued his spirit of service as a Resident Ambassador, warmly welcoming others and staying actively involved in the community.

Jim will be remembered for his steady presence, strong sense of responsibility, love of family, and lifelong commitment to service. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the values he passed down to his family.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Services to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oakcrest Resident Care Fund. 8820 Walther Blvd, Parkville, MD 21234