Jim passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Beverley, his children Donald of Guelph Ontario, Kimberley (Shawn Mackenzie) of Vancouver BC and David (Danielle) of Milly Bay BC, and his seven grandchildren; Haylie and Russell Burton (and their mother Kendra), Ben, Morgan and Aislinge Mackenzie, and Holly and Bridget Burton.

Jim was born at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto to Jim and Elsie Burton. His sister Lynne and his brother Fred, both of whom survive him, lived first in the beach in Toronto and later in Sanford, Florida. Jim put down roots in Etobicoke, where he settled with Beverley to raise their family.

Jim maintained his accreditation as a Chartered Accountant for 50 years. He audited with several firms, and ended his long career in the role of Partner, then President at Columbia Commonwealth. Though his work took him from Toronto to Ottawa to Victoria, his favourite place to be was with his family and friends in Muskoka.

In 1960, Jim spent the first of many summers on Lake Rosseau. Muskoka was to remain his lifelong passion. It was this summer that he met his wife-to-be Beverley at Wigwassan Lodge on Tobin Island. Together, and over the next 55 years, Jim and Beverley enjoyed all the adventures Lake Rosseau has to offer, as both business and cottage owners. With Beverley at his side, Jim combined his talents as a musician and a story teller with his gregariousness and natural ability to make new friends to create 11 memorable seasons owning and operating Rostrevor Beach Resort.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Monday November 20, 2017 at the Turner & Porter Funeral Home, 4933 Dundas Street West. A visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on the same day.

Jim’s family wishes to thank the staff at St Michael’s Hospital of the cardiac care and palliative care units for their time, efforts and kindness for the last three months.