James M. Burleson, 76
January 11, 1949 – May 10, 2025
SHANNON – James Marlin Burleson, 76, passed away at Sanctuary Hospice House on Saturday, May 10, 2025. James was born January 11, 1949, to Wilburn and Elmira Burleson of Shannon. In 1968, he married 1Karen Estes. After retiring from Krueger Metal in 1991, he founded Burleson’s Greenhouse. For 34 years his days were spent in the business surrounded by color, growth and life. The pride and joy of James’s life were his family. He was “Papaw” to seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. When he was not planting tomatoes, you could usually find James carting grandchildren to flea markets, Mexican restaurants, or the deer camp.
James spent his time on earth much like Jesus spent His: by showing up for those in need, spending time in fellowship with loved ones and loving abundantly without reserve. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son, friend – a good man.
James is survived by his wife Karen, sons Jeff Burleson (Jennifer), and Mark Burleson (Emily), both of Shannon; grandchildren, Andrew Burleson (Angela), Hunter Burleson (Meghan), Kate Overton (Luke), J.D. Burleson (Cora), Lia Burleson (Austin), Rachel Hamilton (Jack), and Sam Burleson; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah James Overton and Emilie Chere Overton; sisters, Joann Tackett, Helen Logan (Robert), Frances Rowland, and Donna Pickering; many nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law, Ken Estes (Claudia) and Joey Estes; and good friends, Jr. Mask, Roy Foster, and Mitch Smith.
He is preceded in death by daughter, Angelia; parents, and infant brother; brothers Thomas, Excail, and Wilburn, Jr. “Buddy”; and sisters, Madge Curbow and Earlene Matthews.
A time of visitation and remembrance will take place at Brewer United Methodist Church from 11 AM-1 PM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The family will remember their husband, father and grandfather in a private memorial service. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving the family.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38802.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
