James Michael Burton

Rev. J. Michael Burton, 85, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Born on January 25, 1939, in Greenville, SC, Rev. Burton was the son of the late Mary Lou Smith Burton and the late Theron Edgar Burton. 

Rev. Burton is survived by his wife, Patricia Fosberry Burton, son Brian L. Jurgensmeyer, daughter Kerry K. DeVaney, son Thomas Jurgensmeyer (Sheila), daughter Ashley Burton Pruitt (Matthew), granddaughter Claire Jurgensmeyer, granddaughter Meghan Jones and grandson, Thomas Jurgensmeyer Jr., brother Theron "Bud" Burton (Pearl).

Rev. Burton is an alumnus of Parker High School, Greenville, SC; St. Mary's College, Marion County, Kentucky; The Theological College of the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. with a Masters in Christian Education and was Ordained as a Catholic Priest on May 8, 1965. During his 19 years of ministry in the Catholic Church he served in many parishes, but most notably as pastor of Our Lady of the Hills, Columbia, SC. He was the Director of Christian Education for The Catholic Diocese Of Charleston as well as the Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, Georgia. Rev. Burton was received into the Episcopal Church in 1995. He performed duties as Director of Christian Education for the Episcopal Lower Diocese of South Carolina. He has served in several Episcopal Parishes including: Holy Family, Moncks Corner, SC; Calvary Episcopal Church and Grace Episcopal Cathedral, Charleston, SC; and Christ Episcopal Church, Florence, SC. He took part in the Civil Rights Movement, Ecumenical Movement and conducted a focus group on Racial Relations during his ministry at Calvary Church.

Rev. Burton married Patricia in 1984; together they raised 4 children, and cherished the companionship of 6 dogs throughout the years. This marriage was a-light with humor, compassion, joy and a wealth of celebrations; but did withstand its share of misunderstandings, learning curves and heartache. Always through prayer and faith, this pair persevered.

Rev. Burton was a true man of God: gentle and contemplative. Rev. Burton cherished his priesthood; he loved the Lord dearly, and was devoted to Mary, the Mother of God. He treasured time for prayer, and communing with God's creation through meditation. In his life, he was exceptionally studious and made certain to be surrounded by an expansive library of books on theology, and collection of liturgical, operatic and classical music, all of which he prized. Retirement allowed Rev. Burton to find more time to spend with family, taking walks with his wife, Pat, relaxing with his beloved dog, Katie, in his lap and indulging in his ultimate love: chocolate. 

The family of Rev. J Michael Burton would like to extend their warmest gratitude to the nurses, medical personnel, and other caregivers who provided excellent service and compassionate care for the duration of his illness.

"...He will raise you up on eagle's wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand..." - Excerpt from "On Eagle's Wings" by Father Jan Michael Joncas

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home West Ashley.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp St. Christopher's Campership Fund.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.