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James Burkett Obituary

Burkett, James L
Oct. 19, 1948 - June 11, 2011

James L Burkett, 62, of Sarasota, formerly of Omaha, Neb. died June 11, 2011.
Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with military honors.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; sons Brett of St. Petersburg, and Aaron of Sarasota; daughter Sarah of Sarasota; mother Dorothy of Omaha, Neb.; sister Bonnie Povondra of Omaha, Neb.; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
James was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp 2nd Bn 1st Marines serving in Vietnam. He was a member of IBEW Local 22 in Omaha, Neb., and was an avid Harley Davidson rider.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Abundant Health & Wellness, 5901 Hollywood Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 921-7724, in James' memory.
Online guestbook: www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune from Jun. 15 to Jun. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Burkett

Sponsored by The James Burkett Legacy.

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Chris Sewalish

July 22, 2011

Linda and kids,
I just heard of Jim's passing and am so very sorry. Even though I have not seen you both in years you are thought of dearly as old friends. You all now have your personal guardian angel watching over you now.

James Wayman

July 18, 2011

Thank you for the notice of Jim passing. I am glad i stopped in February when i was down that way. It was nice to have had a chance to talk and have breakfast with him, son and friends. I believe we enjoyed bantering with each other about life in general. I will sorrely miss him. JW

DON&VERNA MILLER

July 18, 2011

Although we can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in our thoughts from afar.

July 16, 2011

Linda - I was so shocked and sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I will always remember our good times on our Friday nights out. Jim was a great guy and Hassell and I always considered you both as good friends. Both of our guys will be missed forever by those who loved them. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kellie Hardin Sorley

Debbie McMurry

June 25, 2011

Aaron and family, we are so sorry we were out of town. You know this family will always be here for you. Our sincere condolences and God bless you.
Debbie and Vic McMurry

Christine Favara

June 22, 2011

Linda and family, I was so sorry to hear that Jim had passed. My prayers are with all of you. Always remember the memories of such a caring and wonderful man because he is now watching over us all from the great garden in the sky. I have so many memories of how one man could light up a room whether it was at work or not. Jim,god speed my friend, you will be truly missed but always in our hearts forever and always!!!

Theresa Kelner

June 20, 2011

Dear Linda, Sarah, Brett, and Aaron,
I am sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a great guy and so well loved by everyone that met him or knew him. He always made us laugh or feel good about ourself! Please let me know if there is anything I or the family can do for you all. Our thoughts and prayerS are with you all! Love, Terri Kelner, Tabitha & Tyler

Fritz & Jan Birnbaum

June 17, 2011

Linda and family...we will miss Jim in so many ways...he was quite the character. We will miss his kindness, jokes and of course I will miss his hugs..Wednesday night Ale House will never be the same.. To you Linda, you will always be our friend and always welcome in our home...With love, Fritz and Jan Birnbaum

Dan Casebeer

June 17, 2011

Burkett Family,
Our hearts go out to you in this sad time. We know Jim is missed greatly.
Thou we parted years back, when you moved to Florida, I have thought of Jim often. We worked together at Industrial for a number of years, probably the most enjoyable working years for me personally, because of the kind of person Jim was. If you were in, you were in! I will always, throughout my life, cherish those times, and the motorcycle rides to Pacific Junction on Saturday mornings. Thanks for the memories Jimmy!!!

Andy and Julie DeRice

June 17, 2011

So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts.

Lyle and Edie Rebhuhn

June 17, 2011

Dear Linda and family,
Almost 41 years ago, Jim ushered at our wedding. The four of us went house hunting for you, but it was Lyle and I that found our first home. We had a memorable motorcycle trip to South Dakota. Though our paths have not personally crossed in the recent years, we will always have this shared relationship. Our prayers and hearfelt sympathy are with you today. Wishing you God's peace...Love, Edie and Lyle

June 17, 2011

Linda, Brett, Aaron & Sarah - Friends and family bless our lives - we are glad to have you in ours. Ken & Dona Knoch

Jim and Dennis at Jerry and Barbara's anniversary party

June 17, 2011

Terry Hunter

June 17, 2011

GOOD MORNING MARINE! I would hear Jim coming down the hall to my desk, to hear him belt it out in a loud voice you would think he was ten feet tall. Well I guess since you are the boot in heaven old Chesty must have you on fire watch. We will all feel safer knowing you are watching over us. Every 10 November will always have a more important meaning to me now. You are missed. Semper Fi.

Debbie Bowers

June 16, 2011

To Jim’s family,
I wanted to let you know how very saddened I am that Jim has left us. He will truly be missed by all.

He has been my friend for 17 years. We met while riding with the Sarasota Hog group and have kept in touch over the years. In the past couple of years, he and Larry had often asked me to join them on their weekend rides as well as venture out on the boat. I will certainly miss our weekend travels to The River Roo, Rivers Edge and Marina Jacks. I have many fond memories of Jim and will especially miss his big bear hugs. He was always laughing, smiling and would do anything for you. I have never met such a caring and thoughtful man.

Rest in peace Jim and continue the ride. We will all meet up with you in the end.
Forever and Always, amen……

Michael Wohlrab

June 16, 2011

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Burkett family.

DeWain, Phyllis Swathwood

June 16, 2011

Dear Linda, Brett, Aaron & Sarah

Our deepest sympathy to the family. The
memories and friendship will forever be
in our thoughts. We will keep you in our prayers.

June 16, 2011

Linda,Brett,Aaron, and Sara:
We were neighbors for many years, and we saw the true example of a good father,good neighbor, and an honest caring man. His 3 children had a great role model and it shows by the way that they are living out their lives today.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time.
We love the Burkett family very much.
Dick,Carolyn,Josh, and Nick Mac Millan
Sarasota, FL

Nancee Kitchen

June 16, 2011

Linda, Brett, Aaron, & Sarah, I am heartbroken to hear of Jim's passing. I had booked an airline ticket to come to Sarasota on Aug 4th to see Jim. He was a good friend and my "motorcycle mentor" when I first learned to ride. You all are family to me and my heart goes out to you.

Trish & Terry Middleton

June 16, 2011

Linda & Family,

Our condolences to all of you on the passing of your husband, father, son, brother, & friend. We will miss Jim's wonderful smile & out look on life. I will especially miss Jim's big hugs & burly beard & calling me TrishTrash! We didn't see ya'll often but when we did Jim always made us feel special. I'm sure he will be riding along side us as we take our bike trips. Love to all.

June 16, 2011

Dear Linda and family, Jim has touched so many people with his smile, jokes and wonderful hugs...he will be so missed by all. Keep on riding free, sunday breakfast will never be the same........Den & Lois Eady

Karen & Gene Good

June 16, 2011

Linda and Family: Our thoughts are with you today, tomorrow and always. There will be a huge void in our visits to Sarasota from now on.... I will miss the big hugs from Jimmy that we got every time we were there. What a good man we have all lost. God bless......

Amanda Rees

June 16, 2011

You will be missed ride free.
Your friends, Amanda Rees and Amanda Kruedelbach

Pat Kenny

June 16, 2011

Linda and family. I am missing Jim already. But, I am grateful for the good times we spent together in Florida and Michigan. Our bike trips through Michigan were one of the highlights of my summers. Jim never visited without bringing me a model airplane for my collection. He was very thoughtful. And always a truly good friend. He will be missed by not just me--but legions of friends.

June 16, 2011

Dear Linda and Family,
Our Wed. nights will never be the same, that is for sure. We offer our heart felt condolences for such a great loss.We are so grateful that we got to spend the evening recently with Jim and family and what has now become a very special time and memory. With our love, Tobie and Carl DeSantis

Barbara Kabobel

June 15, 2011

Dear Linda, Brett, Aaron and Sarah
My heart goes out to you. Jim was a great person, and will be missed by all. I will miss him, his hugs and words of wisdom.
The old scooter bum is now riding above us.

Love to you

June 15, 2011

Linda, I was so sad to hear about Jim..I am thankful to have known him and look back to Thanksgiving 4 years ago with you both at your lovely home...my thoughts and prayers are with you now. Carolyn Brown, Memphis, Tn.

Tim and Lydia Slaybaugh

June 15, 2011

My dear friend,You will be greatly missed, Tim and Lydia Slaybaugh

Roy Burger

June 15, 2011

I too had the pleasure of working with Jim. I can't express how much he will be missed. He always had a smile and joke on hand to lighten your Day

Aleks Parkhomovskiy

June 15, 2011

I have known Jim since 1995. Since we met, he was always very helpful and supportive in the workplace, and we shared many laughs along the way. My condolences to his family, may he always remain in our hearts and minds.

Jerry Kabobel

June 15, 2011

Linda, Kids and sister Bonnie:
I am so sorry I cannot get back in time for the service. Jimmy was like a brother to me and I will really miss my good friend. I kind of knew I probably would not see him again after seeing him last Sunday. I know he suffered alot the last few months, but I am sure he is in a better place now. Linda, may God bless you and your family.

June 15, 2011

Dear Linda and Kids,
What a great honor, to be your neighbor and friend for seven years. I, will miss
Jim a lot and our talks over the last few weeks. God bless, Kent

cliff alberti

June 15, 2011

my condolences to jim's family - a real gentleman - i always enjoyed a bike ride with him and our conversations

Melissa Fordham

June 15, 2011

I had the pleasure to work with Jim as well as go to Key West with him and his son Aaron on our annual Key West Poker run. My family and I loved and enjoyed his company as well as Aarons. He will be missed and I know he is riding his harley in Heavan. We love you Jim! The Dix and Chix Family. Melissa, Carolynn, Tedd, Susan, Diane, Jose and Travis and Kristy.

June 15, 2011

We offer our sympathy to all of you. Gary Devine introduced us to Jiom. He was a very hardworkong, friendly man. May his soul rest in peace. Fred and JoAnn Ostransky, Springfield, NE

Tom Hackett

June 15, 2011

Linda and family, so sorry to hear of Jim"s passing. I met Jim at bike week in 2002 and I will never forget him. What a nice man. I will be thinking of you all on friday. God bless all of you.

Mike, Pam and Jayden Ostransky

June 15, 2011

Linda and Kids -
We want to offer our most sincere sympathy with the loss of Jim. He was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I may not be a avid fisherman but be assured that I have great memories from our fishing trips. Jim always made sure that everyone was cared for and always had kind words to say. He truly was one of society's best!

June 15, 2011

When I think of the service to the truly important things in life(God, Country, Family & Friends), I'll always think of Jim. I am truly honored to have known him.

John Brown
Sarasota, FL

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Funeral services provided by:

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232

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