Janna Sue (Blim) Burton

Janna 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 Elaine Pickle (Johnny Pickle) and Karen Schmidt; grandchildren Krysten Thomas, Kyran Thomas, Karli Thomas, Charlie Burton, Joey Burton, and Abe Thomas; great nieces/nephews Sydney, Lindsey, Jeremy, Aaron, Meagan and Thomas.

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.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section. 

www.arkansascremation.com