James Lee Barton
August 17, 2017
James Lee Barton passed away August 17, 2017, just before 8:00pm, peacefully at his home in High Springs, Florida, at the age of 82.
Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 24, 1934. At the age of 17, he set his course to join the United States Navy and sailed the world on the USS CVE-122 Siboney.
In 1955, he met his young future bride Diana Lee Roberts at a YMCA dance while the ship was based at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He swept her off her feet. They married in Philadelphia and shortly thereafter moved to his hometown, Detroit. Their marriage and loving partnership lasted over 62 years and they raised four children: James, Gerald, Joseph and Dawn.
Jim owned a Sealtest Milk Route for over 10 years, from 1956 to 1964. In 1967 he joined the Canteen Corporation and provided them with over 35 years of loyal service. An opportunity to relocate and transfer with Canteen to Florida came in 1988.
Jim and his wife Diana settled on a beautiful property in High Springs, northeast of Gainesville, where he nurtured the land and where they planted and enjoyed nature’s growth. Many family gatherings were held here with grandchildren Landon, Collin, Ashley, Allen, Dylan, Amanda, and great granddaughter Allison. They all loved their time shared with PaPa and to hear his stories and adventures.
In 1999, Jim joined Certified Armored Service in Gainesville and spent 15 years with the company.
Throughout his entire career, his work ethic was always the same and second to none. He was loyal, hard working, and a man of great integrity and unyielding honesty. It was these principles that he valued most, and that he instilled in his children and other members of his family.
In the fall of 2016, Jim was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. He was exposed to asbestos over a period of time in the Navy when working on a ship during a major overhaul and renovation.
He spent his remaining time sharing his life with his family and friends, within the view of his beautiful and beloved “Bartonville.” His spirit stayed strong and he was able to say he loved and was loved in return.
The Barton Family wishes to thank Haven Hospice of Chiefland for their loving care, service, and support. The Barton Family is requesting to consider a donation to Haven Hospice in honor of James Lee Barton (Haven Hospice, 311N.E. 9th Street, Chiefland, Florida 32626; www.havehospice.org).
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So sorry for your loss….Heaven gained an Angel
My condolences and prayers go out to Diana and family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Barton, through his daughter, Dawn, one of my best friends. After my first conversation with him, I instantly knew where Dawn and her children got their sense of humor from – Papa! And, it was clear he adored and loved his wife, loved his kids, and grand-kids, and Patches, his furry friend. But, you could also tell he loved his work, and the people he worked with – Mr. Barton loved life itself, but especially his life. He was a sweet man, and loved to tell a story, and joke around. Mr. Barton’s passing will leave a void in the lives of the people he touched, and he will be missed dearly by all of us. God bless him.
Wish we had spent more time together may you have a safe journey home love you
Our love and friendship go out to Diana and her family. Love never leaves and Diana will always be surrounded by that love from Jim and her family and friends.
Are thoughts and prayers are with Barton family.
Jim, it is so hard to lose a loved one and especially a parent or a sibling. I lost my mom in March of this year and it has been a challenge to say the least. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless Jim
Nothing but fond memories of you Uncle Jim…..One of the most fun loving people I’ve ever known. I will never forget the trip you took us kids on to Valley Forge PA….One of the greatest times I had as a child! I know you are with our Father in Heaven….You will be missed….Prayers to Aunt Diane and my cousins.
Dawn and family, What a legacy your Dad left to all of you! What a fabulous man he was, and I know you all will celebrate his life today at the service. I send my condolences and love and will be praying for your family.
Love, love, love.