John G. (Jack) Burton (Captain, USN, Ret.), of Haymarket, Virginia passed away peacefully on
August 15, 2018.

He was born on April 19, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Wilfred and Joyce Bousum Burton. He attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana and graduated with a B.A. degree in Philosophy and Mathematics in 1960. He further received his master’s degree in Operations Research/Systems Analysis from the United States Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California in 1966. He was also selected to attend the National War College in Ft McNair, Washington, DC.

In 1961, he joined the Navy Aviation Officer Candidate program, was designated a Naval Flight officer in 1962 and joined his first Patrol Squadron, VP-28 in Barbers Point, Hawaii.

In June of 1969, he was designated as Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator, Tactical Officer and Training Officer. During this period and through 1971, he participated in deployments to Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

In August 1971, he became an instructor of Operations Analysis in the Management Science Department at the United States Naval Academy. There, he taught various courses in Queuing Theory, Probability, and Statistical Analysis and Operations Research. He was designated a proven sub-specialist in Operations Analysis.

In April 1976, he assumed command of Patrol Squadron VP-48 at Naval Air Station Moffett Field in San Jose, California.

Throughout the course of his career, he earned several accolades and recognition to include: The Navy Air Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation for Civil Action, the National Defense Service Medal and achieved the rank of Captain, United States Navy.

Upon retiring from the Navy, he joined Systems, Planning and Analysis, Inc. as a Vice President and Group Leader from 1981 to 1999 and served as a consultant for several years after. He expertly led the team that envisioned and developed a comprehensive modeling environment and was instrumental in helping clients see the value of exploring the statistical outcomes of Naval combat simulations.

Jack was a wonderful, loving husband, caring and devoted father and grandfather. He always had a smile on his face and embraced life in every moment. He loved visiting with family and friends, always making others feel comfortable and included. He loved watching movies from his favorite recliner chair. He was a lover of animals, having several beloved labs throughout his life. He loved going on vacation with his family to the Outer Banks as well as travelling internationally to many varied and interesting locations.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Wilfred (Tim) Burton, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eileen, his son, John Burton, daughter MaryAnn Sartain, daughter in law Sherri Burton, grandchildren Avery Burton, Joseph Burton and Emma Sartain. He will be loved and remembered by all.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday August 22, 2018 in the Backer-Post Funeral & Cremation Center 10001 Nokesville Rd. Manassas, VA 20110 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A funeral service will be at the Centreville Presbyterian Church 15450 Lee Highway Centreville, VA on Thursday August 23, 2018 at 11:00am with Pastor Rob Bromhead officiating.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Please sign the guest book at www.bakerpostfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John George Burton, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.