James G. Burleson

James G. Burleson Jr., age 79 of Bowerston, Ohio and formerly of Canton, died Thursday morning, July 9, 2015 in the Aultman Hospital at Canton following a brief illness.
He was born November 9, 1935 in Mt. Hope, West Virginia and was the son of the late Gilbert and Sarah Voiers Burleson.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters.

He is survived by his wife Nell M. Dugger Burleson, with whom he spent 56 wonderful years together.  Jim met Nell when he was just 15, and has loved her with an intensity that has amazed and inspired everyone since then.  They have loved, fought, made up, and lived through all that life has thrown at them over the years. But ... they did it together. Life was good as long as they had each other. In addition to his beloved Nell, he is survived by his four children  James Alec (Cathy) Burleson,  Gilbert Ray (Delores) Burleson, and Tami Lynn Burleson, all of Bowerston, and James Michael (Paulette) Burleson of Richardson, Texas,  his grandchildren  Mike and Shelly, Tara and Matt, Jason Ray, Randy Lee and Ashley, and his great-grandchildren Brittany and James, Hailey and Aubree, Heaven and Aryia, Elena, Lane, Kallie, and Baylee.

Jim was a retired steelworker from Wilkof Morris Steel Company in North Canton, O., was a Korean War Era U.S. Air Force Veteran, spent 20 years in service with the Ohio Army National Guard, and was an employee of Monroe Township in Harrison County for eight years. He was a member of the Scio American Legion Post #482, The Uhrichsville Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge #740, and the Canton, Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars. He and Nell wintered together in Zephyrhills, Florida for a number of years.

Jim has lived a long, healthy, and happy life. He was an avid outdoorsman. He was fond of camping, fishing, and most of all, prospecting for gold in his later years. He was formerly a hunter until he moved to the country and witnessed the wildlife on a daily basis, very often in his own front yard. After experiencing the natural beauty of the animals in the woods, he could no longer bring himself to shoot any of them. He talked about it, but never did it. It was always a big joke that his family was going to have venison for the winter.

Jim loved to drink! He never had more fun than when sharing a beer or a jug of Steve's homemade "shine" with family and friends - during which time they shared fishing and hunting stories and sometimes, just outright tall tales. It is doubtful that there was ever anyone who didn't love him and enjoy spending time with him.

He relished the camaraderie of spending 20 years in the National Guard after serving eight years in the Air Force. His son, James Alec (Bo), had the unique privilege of spending six years in the National guard with him.  He started out as a Boy Scout, and as he got older, finished his service as a Mess Sergeant.  He always looked after "his boys" during the two-week National Guard training camp each year. He loved it!

Jim was a ""do-it-yourselfer". He would try just about anything to keep from paying someone else to do it for him. He figured that if they knew how to do it, it couldn't be too hard.

He worked hard, lived hard, and loved even harder. He loved his family unconditionally, no matter what form of mischief they got into, he was there for them. He was a good, good man who will be sadly and forever missed. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 6:30 P.M., Monday, July 13, 2015 in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with  Rev. Jerralyn Myers officiating.  Military Honors provided by the Scio American Legion Post #482 will commence immediately prior to services. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4:30 P.M. until time of services at 6:30 P.M. in the funeral home. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.
God Bless America and those that protect her!

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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