Dr. James E. Burton

Dr. James E. Burton was born in Easton, MD in 1932. After moving with his parents to Texas, he attended public schools in various East Texas towns finishing as valedictorian from Hawkins High School in 1947. He graduated from Prairie View A & M in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Biology as a pre-med student. It was at this time that his educational career was interrupted by the military, where he served as an infantry platoon leader in Korea and Japan.

After completing his military obligations, he returned to Prairie View and received a Master of Science degree. During that time he successfully coached the varsity tennis team to two SWAC championships.

In 1952, he married his college sweetheart, Bonnie Smith. They were blessed with three children; Dr. Sherolyn Simmons, Attorney Yvonne Burton and Ms. Yvette Burton. He is also the proud grandparent of two; Edgar Ryan Burton and Sierra Bonnie Burton. His hobbies are golf, tennis, music and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dr. Burton graduated from The University of Texas School of Dentistry in 1959. For forty-seven years he provided quality dental care for the citizens of the Acres Home community of Houston.

He has held membership in the Charles A. George Dental Society, serving as secretary, press secretary and president, the Gulf State Dental Association, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for many years and the National Dental Association, serving as a member of the House of Delegates.

Since his retirement and the loss of his wife, Bonnie, he has increased his activities and devotion to his church. He presently serves as Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas and is the Parliamentarian for the Antioch Educational Service Foundation which provides college scholarships for Houston-area youth.

Congratulations, Dr. Burton for your numerous contributions to our organizations and your service to our Black communities.

We Thank You!