James W. Denton, 76, U.S. Army Veteran

Mr. Denton was born, September 9, 1927 in Rumsey, KY.

Mr. Denton was a graduate of Calhoun High School in Kentucky and graduated from Cleveland State University, Cleveland.

James served with the U.S. Army during both WWII and the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 211, Avon Lake. He was employed in the engineering department of Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company for 36 years, retiring in 1987. Following his retirement he helped raise funds for the United Way of Lorain County as a representative for 16 years.

He served on the Foundation Board of St. Joseph Hospital, Lorain Community/St. Joseph Regional Health Center and currently was Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees of Community Health Partners.

Mr. Denton was a charter member of Lake Shore United Methodist Church, Avon Lake. He was a member and Past Master of Free and Accepted Masons, Mid-Century Lodge #725. He was a 32nd degree Mason in the A.A.S.R., Valley of Cleveland. He was a member of Royal Arch Masons, Council and Commandery and was a Knight of the York Cross of Honor, Prior #18. He was a member of Al Koran Shrine, O.E.S. #479, Jester Court 14, Lorain County Shrine Club and Lorain County Fire Brigade.

Mr. Denton is survived by his wife of 53 years: Jeryl R. (nee Chipman); daughters: Sandra Stuart (Thomas) of North Ridgeville and Candyce Denton of Amherst; and grandchildren: Rachel Jones and Michael Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Joe T. and Wilda Irene (nee Hatcher) Denton.

Friends may call at the Busch-Burmeister Family Chapel, 163 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake, Friday, April 9 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held at the funeral home Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 10 at Lake Shore United Methodist Church, 33119 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Charles A. Peal of the church will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted.

Memorial contributions may be forwarded to New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph, 5255 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, 44035; Foundation Board of Community Health Partners, 3700 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, 44055; Lake Shore United Methodist Church; or Transportation Fund of Al Koran Shrine 1000 E. Edgerton Rd., Broadview Heights 44147.