Jim L. Burden

Jimmy Lee Burden, age 84, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at the Senior Care Nursing Home in Crowley, Texas. Jim was born September 8, 1935 in Ryan, Oklahoma to Willie Mance and Gladyce Mae (Fults) Burden.

Jim spent his early years in Ryan, Oklahoma, enjoying the company of cousins and other friends in many adventures. He attended school in Ryan and graduated in a class of 23 students from Ryan High School in 1953. Many of his classmates later renewed their friendships and for some years attended informal reunions.

Three years after graduation, Jim and seven of his friends decided to join the Navy. Each of them enlisted but none ever served together. For Jim’s part, he was assigned to the USS Kirkpatrick, a radar picket ship that spent 28 days out to sea in the stormy North Atlantic, 2 days in port, and back to sea for 28 more. Initially Jim survived by consuming only crackers and life savers before gaining his sea legs and becoming a signalman. Needless to say, two years of the North Atlantic made him conclude cruise vacations were out of the question.

From his early years, Jim developed a strong work ethic and his employers included some of the community retailers as well as the Rock Island Railroad, Evans Sales Company, Bell Helicopter, and General Dynamics. He spent 25 years at General Dynamics and retired at the end of 1992 as a Director of Estimating.

Jim married Suzanne (Neely) Harris on 29 June 1985 in the living area of their home outside Crowley, Texas. Jim’s interests during his free time were as varied as gardening, wood carving, working on computers, programming systems to operate appliances, framing and marketing limited edition western art, and paracording

Following retirement, Jim and Suzanne traveled as much as possible, visiting 46 of the contiguous 48 states. He enjoyed driving through different parts of the country, always amazed and proud of his America. Their travels afforded the couple chances to find new items of interest and amass many various collections. His pride and joy was a collection of every movie made by John Wayne and additional items paying homage to the Duke.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Willie Mance Burden; his mother, Gladyce Mae (Fults) Burden; and several other family members.

Jim is survived by his wife Suzanne; daughter, Leesa (Burden) Johnson and husband Jimmie Ray of Crowley; step-family: daughter Joni Lyn (Harris) Breedlove and husband Earl of Crowley; son Tim Harris of White Settlement, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Mance Burden and wife, Carol (Hodge); niece Amanda (Burden) Warr and husband Josh of San Angelo; numerous cousins; special neighbors, David Laux, Meagan Laux, Mallory Laux; and a long list of special friends.

A memorial service will be held at Lucas and Blessing Funeral Home at 518 S. W. Johnson Avenue, Burleson, Texas on Wednesday, October 23 at 11:00 a.m. followed by visitation with family and friends. Chaplain Rose Marie Morris will officiate. Burial will be at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, October 23 at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to “Stand Up to Cancer” P.O. Box 843721, Los Angeles, CA 90084-3721 or National Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. FL17, Chicago, IL 60601. Condolences may be left on Lucas and Blessing Funeral Home’s online guest book at www.lucasandblessingfh.com .

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Holy Savior Hospice and Palliative Care; Senior Care Nursing Home of Crowley; all members of the medical profession for your care of Jim; plus the moral support and prayers of the many who loved him.

“While you live, let your thoughts be with the living.”