James W. Burress, 75, U.S. Navy Veteran

He was born July 9, 1939 in Booneville, Mississippi and had resided in the Sheffield Village and Sheffield Lake areas for over 50 years.

Jim served with the US Navy from 1958-1962 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk when it was commissioned.

He worked at the Ford Truck Assembly Plant in Avon Lake as a welder retiring in 1993 after 30 years. Jim also served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Sheffield Village Fire Department for 10 years.

Jim was a member of the Church of God in Sheffield Village where he volunteered with the Street Ministry program which provided food and clothing to the homeless.

Jim was devoted to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. For many years, he helped his son Dan with activities for Boy Scout Troup #160. He loved sports and followed the Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes. He was an avid NASCAR and Super Modified racing fan and attended many races at Lorain County Speedway. Jim enjoyed southern Gospel and Blue Grass music and attended many concerts. He was an avid bowler and had attended the USBC National Tournament for over 28 years. He enjoyed camping and small engine repair such as lawn mowers and snow blowers.

He is survived by his wife of 51 � years Edna Burress, children Tammy Kolonick of Elyria, James W. Burress, Jr (Brenda) of Louisville, Kentucky, Danny L. Burress (Arianne) of Elyria and Brian G. Burress (Gina) of Lima, grandchildren Jeriod Jewell, Ashley Perez (Tony), Amanda Hall, Courtney Kolonick, Danielle Burress, Michael Kolonick, James Blake Burress, ElijahBurress, Isaiah Burress, Rebekah Cromwell, Nicole Lococo (Tony), Candace Martin, Joshua Cutlip and Kelsey Castaneda, 8 great grandchildren, sister Evelyn Buchanan (Bobby) of Vermilion, brother Elton Rayburn Burress Sr (Jane) of Memphis, Tennessee and Mary Louise Heddey (Joe) of Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents Leander W. & Ocie L. Burress (nee Willis).

The family will receive friends Sunday 4-8 pm at the Church of God, 2280 N. Abbe Rd, Sheffield Village and on Monday from 11:00 am until the time of funeral services at noon in the church. The Rev. Scott Skeens, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon where the VFW Post #1079 of Elyria will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions a can be made to the Church of God, 2280 N. Abbe Rd, Sheffield Village, OH. 44054 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain.

Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.