James L. Burson

Burson, James L.

James L. Burson, 67, of Dadeville, AL passed away May 6, 2016 at a hunting lodge in Chandron, NE. Mr. Burson was preceded in death by his parents: Lavell Burson and Nettie Linch Burson.

The family will receive friends Sunday, May 15 from 1:00PM until 2:00PM at Dadeville First United Methodist Church. The funeral will be held Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 PM at Dadeville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Brown officiating.

Mr. Burson is survived by his wife: Robin Burson, one sister: Jo (Terry) Teed, five children: Angie (Matt) White, Chris (Dale) Fields, Lance Burson,Karie Moseley, Danny (April) Small, ten grandchildren: Wiley White, Brennan White, Tal Fields, Tori Fields, Kaedyn Burson, Justin Moseley, Ashley Moseley, Alison Small, Bailey Skinner and Clayton Oliver, one great-grandchild: Parker Holley and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Colonel James L. Burson enlisted as a Private in the Alabama Army National Guard in 1970. He graduated and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant from the Alabama Military Academy, Class 16 in 1972. In June of 2002 he retired with more than 32 years of military service with the Alabama National Guard and the United States Army. During his distinguished career, Colonel Burson served in many and various command and staff positions including assignment as the Commander of the 167th Infantry (4th Alabama) Battalion, as well as tours of duty at the Alabama Military Academy, 31st Armored Brigade, Assistant Professor of Military Science, Auburn University, 62nd Troop Command and Alabama National Guard Joint Force Headquarters.

Colonel Burson is a graduate of the United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA, the Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army Armor Officer Basic Course, and the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Advance Course. His branch qualifications include Infantry and Armored Cavalry. Among his many decorations and awards, he is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, The Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, and the Order of Saint Maurice, Patron Saint of the United States Infantry. During his 36 years in education Coach Burson served as a Special Education Instructor at Dadeville High School as well as Principal of the Dadeville Annex Alternative School. Coach Burson also served as Assistant Principal at Horseshoe Bend School as Assistant Principal at Edward Bell. Jim was also known fondly as "Coach" or "Colonel" but most importantly "Pawpaw" and most recently "G-Paw". He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was very involved and made sure they knew how to fish and drive a truck. He had many adventures as a hunting guide. He traveled the country, even other countries, on hunts for deer and his favorite hunt was for turkey. Many precious moments of his life were spent in the woods. We rejoice that he passed in his sleep after killing what he called "the biggest and most beautiful Merriam's turkey he had ever seen".

Alabama Funeral Homes of Dadeville, AL is handling arrangements.

www.alabamafuneralhomes.com