Janna Burton

anna Sue Burton, age 80, passed away on February 19, 2026, in Hot Springs,

Arkansas. She was a longtime resident of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.

Janna was born on September 2, 1945, in the Brooklyn Naval Hospital, to Naval

Captain Kenneth Blim and his wife, Mona Blim. As the daughter of a naval aviator,

Janna experienced a childhood rich with travel and adventure, living in San Diego,

California, McLean, Virginia, Pensacola, Florida, and Olathe, Kansas. She was

preceded in death by her parents and younger brother, Jon.

Janna graduated from McLean High School in 1963 and went on to attend Emory and

Henry College. After college, she moved to Washington D.C. to be near her parents and

began working for Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance.

On April 2, 1968, she married future Navy pilot James “Jim Ed” Burton. They then

moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where Jim Ed finished his training to earn his wings.

Together, they built a life around their children and pets and many relocations, including

homes in Corpus Christi, Texas, Key West, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia, Saunders Town,

Rhode Island, Houston, Texas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Shawnee, Oklahoma, McCook,

Nebraska, before settling in Hot Springs Village in 2008.

Janna was exceptionally bright and fiercely competitive when it came to trivia — she

could beat anyone and recall the most remarkable details at a moment’s notice. An avid

reader, she possessed sharp intellect and an even sharper wit. Always impeccably

dressed and often described as classy, Janna carried herself with grace. But those who

knew her well understood there was more beneath the polish — her wicked sense of

humor was reserved for a fortunate few.

Janna was predeceased by her father, Kenneth Blim; mother, Mona Blim; and brother,

Jon Blim. She is survived by her husband, Jim Ed; her son Jake Burton and his wife KK

of Lincoln, Nebraska; her daughter Molly and her husband Erik Thomas of Lincoln;

sister in law, Cheryl Blim; nieces/nephews: Elaine Pickle (Johnny Pickle), Karen Shaw,

Aaron Blim, Meagan Buffington, and Thomas Blim; grandchildren Krysten Thomas,

Kyran Thomas, Karli Thomas, Charlie Burton, Joey Burton, and Abe Thomas; and great

nieces Sydney Pickle and Lindsey Pickle.

Janna will be remembered for her intelligence, her humor, her elegance, and the deep

love she had for her family. Her presence filled every room, and her memory will be

cherished always.