James (Jim) Brian Burleson

James B. Burleson, age 74, of Gatesville, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 at The VA Hospital in Temple. Services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Gatesville. Burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery. Jim was born November 20, 1934 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the son of Harold Lindsey Burleson and Jessie Esther (Morris) Burleson. His early school days were spent in Temple. In 1944 the family moved back to Fort Worth where he finished public school, graduating for Polytechnic High in 1953. Jim married Susanna (Koch) Walker on August 5, 1967 in Waco, Texas at Highland Baptist Church. He was the Cub Master at North Waco Elem. School and Elm Mott Elem. Jim graduated from TSTI, receiving one of the only 40 Bachelor’s Degrees granted from there. They moved to Gatesville in 1971 where he joined his father, Harold Burleson, in land surveying. He was a land surveyor until his retirement. Following in his father’s footsteps, he ran for the office of Coryell County Surveyor and kept the office for 7 terms. Jim was a member of First Baptist Church where he was a leader for the Royal Ambassadors. Jim was also a member of the Mitchell Sunday School Class. Jim joined the Masonic Lodge in 1980, serving in every position including Worshipful Master at Maples Lodge #791. He was also a member of Beehouse Lodge #550 at Evant and Gatesville Lodge #197 where he was appointed to various positions. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star #1005, where he served as Worthy Patron four times, serving three of those with his wife as Worthy Matron. He was also the recipient of The Golden Trowel award from Maples Lodge #791. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; Susanna Burleson of Gatesville, son; James D. Burleson M. D. and wife Angie of Hooks, mother of James D.; Margaret Dewberry of New Mexico, step-son; Douglas R. Walker of Gatesville, brother; Ned Burleson of Euless, aunt; Virginia Stoorza of Fort Worth, Texas, grandchildren; Alicia Spell and husband Jody, Frances Burleson, Brody Combs, James Allen Burleson, Marianne Rose Burleson, great grandchildren; Mayson Spell, Brian Burleson and Jace Spell (expected to make his appearance in a few weeks). Honorary Pallbearers will be the Mitchell Sunday School Class and the Coffee Bunch at McDonalds. Memorials may be made to the Relay for Life, in care of June McGinty, 2003 Main Street, Gatesville, TX 76528.