James Louis “Jim” Barton, of Hondo, passed away on December 9, 2018 at the age of 100 years and seven months. Jim was born April 29, 1918 in Blackburn, Oklahoma, to parents James Ewell Barton and Exa Opheila Richardson Barton.
Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served his country during World War II. He was stationed at the Hondo Army Airfield, which is where he met his future wife. On April 10, 1943, he married the love of his life, Mildred Ruth Van Fleet in Hondo. Mildred passed away 8 days before they would have celebrated 74 years of marriage. Their marriage was blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Jim was a talented musician and loved to play the fiddle and guitar for his family and friends at any opportunity he had. He was a member of the United Fiddlers Association and enjoyed playing in fiddling contests all over the state. Jim and his wife were founding members of the Hondo Hootenanny, a monthly gathering of area musicians.
This past April, Jim celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and close friends. The day was filled with laughter and music, two constants in his life. One of the highlights of his birthday were letters he received from President Donald Trump and Congressman Will Hurd.
In addition to his parents, James and Exa Barton and his wife, Mildred Barton, Jim was also preceded in death by his son, James “Jimmy” Richard Barton; grandson, Dusty Norris; and his siblings, Gladys Cain, Pat Fagan, Marvin Barton and Ruth Baker.
Survivors include his children, Betty Barton of Kingwood, Kathy (Walt) Rothe of D’Hanis, Sheri (Lloyd) Norris of Hondo and Bill (Jan) Barton of Bend, Oregon; daughter-in-law, Elvie Barton of Hondo; grandchildren, Jamey Barton, Donnie (Cathy) Barton, Louis (Jennifer) Barton, Mandi (Matt) Hoffpauir, Chris (Sayda) Chambers, Kelly (Mike) McIntosh, Susan Van De Water, Aaron (Ashley) Cooper, Angie (Nic) Zavoico, Chancey (Travis) Garza, Shawna (Jason) Klahorst and Ryan Barton; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Frances Brown of Midland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Hondo Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the United Fiddlers Association or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.