Death hit entire community hard
We lost one of the area's finest individuals on Tuesday, Aug. 17. James Burton died in a logging accident at the prime age of 35. He was a very well-liked, friendly, hard-working, young man.
The youngest of the renowned Henry and Myrna Burton family, he always made them proud to be their son and brother.
James was a great parent, along with Sally, to the two young sons he leaves behind. He and Sally always attended the ball games, school activities and scouting events of their sons. Their numerous "uncles" will help fill the immeasurable void.
The impact of his passing is devastating to the many people who knew Jimmy. The community establishments where people gather have been a river of tears since the accident.
He was admired by the many people that knew him. He was an energetic, ambitious, honest businessman and sports enthusiast. Everyone that knew him liked him.
The strong family commitment was already displayed in the obituary with the establishment of a college fund for James' sons by the Burton family.
The closeness of our small, caring, rural area is displayed when this type of horrible tragedy occurs. God bless.
Fred Kersman
Worcester
Oneonta will always be `City of the Hills'
I have often felt compelled to submit a letter to "In Your Opinion" in reference to various subjects, but with latest $20,000 "Life Enjoyed" I find it impossible to resist.
I defy anyone who has traveled west on Route 23 at sunset with the beauty of the gold, pink and reds bouncing off the domes of Hartwick, the campus of the State University College at Oneonta, the homes nestled on the hill with the city in the foreground not to believe that Oneonta is truly the "City of the Hills."
To me, "Life Enjoyed" sounds pretty final ... like something the undertaker might say as he closes the casket.
Elizabeth J. Moore
Oneonta
