James Paul "Dee" Berton

James Paul "Dee" Berton, 81, of Bellefontaine, passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, in Mary Rutan Hospital, ER.

He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on April 7, 1945, the son of the late Paul W. and Ruby E. (Richardson) Berton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Linda Montoney, a nephew, Michael Montoney, and his aunt and uncle, Don and Maxine Berton and several close friends, Mick Reed, Bo Gillespie, and Jim Dearwester.

On April 19, 1968, he married Kimberlee G. "Kim" (Wilt) Berton in Adrian, Michigan and she survives.

He is also survived by their three children, Kristin (Jim) Clement, Stacey Berton, and Jim (Helena) Berton, four grandchildren, Jay (Chloe) Clement, Jack (Ellie) Clement, Jamison Clement, and Kameren Hayley, three great grandchildren, Gigi, Eloise, and Quinn, a niece, Desiree Montoney, and his close friends, Jerry Smith, John Cummins, and Charlie Reed.

Dee graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1964 and served 10 years in the Ohio National Guard. He worked at Siemens in Bellefontaine for 35 years before retiring in 2000. After retirement, he continued working in several roles, including with Bellefontaine City Parks, where he cared for Southview Park. He also sold cars alongside his good friend, Bo Gillespie. An avid sports fan, Dee followed The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, and the Bellefontaine Chieftains, but his greatest joy was watching his children compete when they were younger and, more recently, cheering on his grandchildren. He never missed a game. He was known for keeping his lawn, landscaping, and vehicles meticulously maintained, and he loved his dogs as cherished members of the family.

Pastor Matthew Sandlin will officiate a memorial service on Friday, July 31st at 7:00pm in the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home, from 5 to 7pm. Burial will be private in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan County Animal Shelter by visiting https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLAW4WJ4GS08G/checkout/TMF6AEQETD4B47FFCOPXK76F

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Berton family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com

TFD