James Anton

James "Jim" D. Anton, a man devoted to his family and faith, passed away peacefully at home in the comfort of his wife and children on Saturday, August 29, 2020. He was 88 years old.

Jim was born April 28, 1932, in Elyria, OH, where he lived until 2014 when he moved to Aurora, CO, to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

He graduated from Elyria High school in 1950, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1954 from General Motors Institute - GMI (now Kettering University) in Flint, MI.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957 as a commissioned line officer aboard an LST transport stationed on the Pacific coast.

After discharge from the service, he returned to Ohio where he worked for General Motors. Over the span of his 42-year career at GM, he held a variety of executive positions in Elyria, Euclid, OH, and Warren, MI. In recognition of his community service, he was presented with the GM award of Excellence in Community Activities.

He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Elyria until 2014 when he then joined Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church after relocating to Aurora, CO. At Emmanuel Lutheran he served as church council president several times as well as holding various other committee chairs. He was instrumental as a fundraiser for the church's most recent addition.

Jim enjoyed community service, golf, woodworking, boating, and traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally. He participated in the Lord of the Hill men's bible study. And he always made time for and enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities.

In Elyria, he was a member of the Elks Lodge, a facilitator for Junior Achievers, a city council member, and a member of city planning commission. He was a volunteer for the Lorain County Metro Parks. He was a member of the Monday night golf league at Forest Hills Golf Course, as well as the Thursday night couples league at Brentwood Golf Club.

Jim will be dearly missed by his wife of 63 years, Yvonne (nee Hay); and his children, Janiece Ike (Richard) of Frisco, CO, Larry Anton of Centennial, CO, and Jenni Boyko (Michael Clift) of Aurora, CO.

He is also survived by his loving grandchildren — CR, Stephen and Andrew Ike; Karina, Rachel and Jack Boyko; and great granddaughter Amelia Ike — as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Eleanor Anton, and a brother, David Anton.

A memorial service will be held virtually September 13, 2020, followed by a grave-side service in Elyria, OH at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be directed to one of the following: Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry St., Suite 700, Denver, CO 80246; Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 360 Princeton Ave., Elyria, OH 44035; or Lord of the Hills Lutheran Church, 21755 E. Smoky Hill RD., Centennial, CO 80015.