James (Jim) Burton

It’s with deep sadness that we share the sudden passing of James (Jim) Burton on January 31, 2020.

Born in Montreal, Jim and his family moved to Edmonton before setting down roots in Coquitlam. Graduating with a BSC in Biology from SFU, he later decided to act on a simmering urge to pursue professional photography in Victoria. After marrying his sweetie RB, they moved east where he worked at the University of Calgary and later found his lasting passion at the Alberta University of the Arts. Here he worked with printing, photos, technology and a great group of students and staff. Jim had an abiding love of the outdoors and captured the beauty of nature and light along with its profound mystery and power.

A gifted athlete, Jim loved and excelled at sports, especially hockey, and hiked throughout Western Canada his entire adult life; camera in hand. A patient man of few words, he read extensively and especially enjoyed geology and a good western; a passion he shared with his daughter. He always connected well with people and his beloved animals with his quiet and genuine manner.  Jim loved a great joke, told many terrible ones and appreciated nothing better than a good rum by the fire with family or wonderful friends surrounded by nature and the sound of wind through the trees that always brought him true contentment. All our hearts are with you forever, Jimbo.

He’s survived by Roberta, his wife of 30 years, and his daughter Alexa (Greyson) whom he loved deeply and teased relentlessly. Jim leaves behind his mom Dale and sister Lynn (Dave), who will also miss him terribly, and is predeceased by his dad Rick.

A celebration of life will be held at the Triwood Community Centre (2244 Chicoutimi Dr NW) on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 6:30pm.

If friends so desire, and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alberta Wilderness Association (https://albertawilderness.ca/), or any Canadian organization that cherishes and protects the land we call home. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James (Jim) Burton, please visit our floral store.