James L. Burden

April 10, 1930 - April 8, 2011
PLYMOUTH - James Leroy "Jim" Burden, 80, Korean War veteran, former college Dean and career educator, went to be with the Lord on April 8, 2011, at his home in Sun City in Georgetown, TX, following a long, courageous 29-year battle with cancer. Jim was born at the family home in Plymouth, Indiana, on April 10, 1930, to parents, Jesse E. and Alta G. (Watkins) Burden.

He graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana, in 1948. Following graduation he worked three years and then enlisted in the United States Air Force as an electronics technician. After discharge he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958 with majors in Social Science and Industrial Arts Education, and a Master of Arts degree in 1961 with a major in Guidance and Counseling from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He was the recipient of two NDEA scholarships and one EPDA fellowship. He earned a Ph.D. degree in 1974 in Vocational and Technical Education from Colorado State University.

His career in education spanned 30 years and provided opportunities to be a teacher, professor, counselor and administrator in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Jim was a member of Crestview Baptist Church. He was a past Commander of American Legion Post 19 in Riverton, WY, and a current member of American Legion Post 0174 in Georgetown, TX. He was a Master Mason and member of Lodge #26 AF&AM in Riverton, WY, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason, a member and past officer in the Sun City Shrine Club, and was affiliated with the Ben Hur Shrine Temple in Austin, TX.

On August 31, 1957, he married Eloise Charmaine Todd of Highland, IN. Jim loved his wife of 53 years, and his family. He enjoyed reading, fishing, camping, walking, woodworking, crafts, square dancing, hot air balloons, traveling, and sports, especially basketball, and volunteering for activities such as Boys and Girls Club and Meals on Wheels.

Survivors include his wife, Charmaine; daughters, Lynn Denise Orville and husband, Douglas, and Debra Sue Zelenak and husband, Albert; sons, Dennis James and Daniel Lee and wife, Kit; granddaughters, Rachel, Jessie, Anne, Katie; grandson, James; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Kenneth; and by a sister, Frances Snyder.

At his request, cremation has taken place. Graveside services and interment will be at a later date at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton, WY.

A Celebration of Life service will be held after Easter in Georgetown at a time and place to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crestview Baptist Church, 2300 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628; to Shriners Hospital for Children or to a charity of donor's choice. Arrangements under the direction of Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633, (512) 869-7775. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in the Memorial Guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Apr. 14, 2011

06/20/2023 EJS

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