James Burkett

James Edward Burkett, 63, passed away peacefully at his apartment in Hillsboro, Texas on October 30, 2012. Graveside services with military honors will be held 1:00 pm Friday, November, 2, 2012 at Restland Cemetery in Boswell, Oklahoma with Pastor Bobby Chesire officiating.

James was born January 30, 1949 in Boswell, Oklahoma to Marjorie Grace Delene (Smith)and Grelie Burkett. He never married. James served in the United States Army from September 1968 to October 1972. His highest rank attained was SP-5. In the army he was a blade grader operator and worked on the Hercules Missile as part of the crew. James won several badges and honors: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Indochina and Korea Service Medals, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Army Forces Expeditionary Medal for combat operations in Vietnam and other support missions during Vietnam.

James greatest joy was talking about being a baseball catcher in Boswell where he graduated with honors. He loved telling jokes and laughing. His brother, Ben says, “He lived his life just like he chose to do.” Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, Darrell Wayne Burkett.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters; Travis Gene and wife Alma of Porter, TX, Ben and Leonard Kowalski of Houston,TX, Burl Burkett and wife Carla of Silo, OK, Noel Burkett and wife Tammie of Blue, OK, Billie Faye Burkett Grynkiewiez and husband Wesley of Hartford, CT, Eva Dean Burkett Brazier and husband Derek of Magnolia, TX, Nona and Domingo Garza of Lockhart, TX, Ona Mae Strain and her husband of Durant, OK, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.