James Paul Chilton
James Paul Chilton, Major US Army, was born August 12, 1946 in Poplar Bluff, MO to Maudeline Deatherage Chilton and Paul Gordon Chilton. He passed away at his home in Marshfield, MO surrounded by his family on October 28, 2021. He was a Vietnam veteran and suffered the many negative effects of Agent Orange, which ultimately led to his death.
Major Chilton served 23 years in the US Army, first as an enlisted man serving in Korea and Vietnam, and then a military intelligence officer for 15 years. Early in his career he was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne and was an expert rifleman. As a well recognized and respected member of the intelligence community he advised presidents and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His area of expertise was the People’s Republic of China and he was fluent in Mandarin. After retiring from the military in 1990 he worked for 13 years in Child Support Enforcement before finally settling into life as an emeritus soldier.
In January 1975 he married Susan Burkemper. Together they traveled the world while raising their family: daughter Sarah Land, West Plains, sons Joshua, Marshfield, and Daniel, Nixa. Jim encouraged his children to experience diverse culture, languages, nature, literature, and the arts as part of their life education.
Mourning his passing are his wife Susan, Marshfield, children Sarah Land (Jarrod) of West Plains, Joshua (Kira) Chilton of Marshfield, Daniel (Ali) Chilton of Nixa, sister Beth Sandlin of Eminence, grandchildren Jack, Audrey, & Tanner Land, Dorin Williams, London & Olivia Chilton, Escher Chilton & Baby Chilton due in April, River Chilton, Harrison Chilton, and Indiana Chilton, mother-in-law Virginia Burkemper of O’Fallon, sisters-in-law Carol Burkemper, Julie (Gavin) Samek, Beth (Kevin) Runge, Molly Abshear (Sean Sweeney), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Celebration Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday November 6th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Marshfield, MO. Interment of ashes will be held at a later date in Eminence, MO.
He was greatly loved by his family and friends around the globe.