James Michael Burton

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Elaine Cooper Burton and two sons, Joshua (Meghan) and Zachary (Sydney) and four grandchildren, Oliver, Jamison, Everly and Wilder. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Phillip K. Burton.

Michael graduated from Kingsbury High School in Memphis, TN. He worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber, FedEx and finished his career as a Maintenance Supervisor at Memphis City Schools.

Michael was a deacon at Wells Station Baptist Church and taught in the youth group for many years. He was a firearms enthusiast and a Civil War reenactor. Michael was very handy with tools and always had a project going. He especially loved tinkering with old cars. His favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren who called him "Way-Hey

A visitation will be held on January 21, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Family Funeral Care, located at 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 10:00 am. Michael will be buried at Union Academy Baptist Church Cemetery, located at 2475 TN-436, McKenzie, TN 38201. In lieu of flowers, any donations in his memory to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.