Captain James V. Burnett
June 16, 1926 - July 24, 2022
Fort Worth, Texas - Captain James V. Burnett, DDS, USNR, Retired
Dr. James ("Jimmy") Virgil Burnett passed away 6:30 pm Sunday, July 24, 2022 at the youthful age of 96. A Memorial Service, followed by Reception with the
Family, will honor a celebration of Jimmy's life at 11 am Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Trinity Terrace Auditorium, 1600 Texas Street, Fort Worth, Texas. All who knew him are welcome and encouraged to attend. Memorial Donations, in lieu of flowers he loved, may be made to:
1) Trinity Terrace Foundation or
2) Trinity Terrace Employee Appreciation Fund
Jimmy was born June 16, 1926 in Dallas, Texas as the only child of Raymond and Lorine Burnett, Jimmy was well-travelled throughout the United States when his family relocated to Fort Worth in 1937. Jimmy attended Lily B. Clayton Elementary, McLean Junior High School and graduated early from Paschal High School for his 1943 enlistment in the Navy, beginning what became a 34-year Navy career, including active duty during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Viet Nam, amongst others. Dr. Burnett earned his DDS degree at Baylor School of Dentistry (now known as Texas A & M) in 1948 and became a Baylor Instructor in 1949. He completed his 5 years Preceptorship for Prosthodontics specialization under tutelage from Dr. Eugene Brown, becoming partner in Brown, Brown, and Burnett for 20 years 1954-1974 and completed the next 40 years of practice with Dr. Brent Hicks. Dr. Burnett was highly respected for his lifelong service to God, Country, Church, Family and Community. He practiced both general and prosthodontics dentistry in Fort Worth for 65 years, served as Board Member and in many other leadership roles for some 40 different professional and charitable organizations. As an instructor, author, professional clinician, and Naval officer, he was awarded numerous Navy decorations and metals, professional honors of recognition, and trophies, plus a Navy Commendation for service performed as Wing Dental Officer in command of all dental services for the 4th Marine Air Wing.
Blessed with two happy marriages to Patti Joyce Dean Burnett for 37 years 1948-1986 and Janie Read Gunn Burnett for 31 years 1987-2018, "Jimmy" wanted a very large family. His wish was fulfilled, as he is survived by three beloved children, James Virgil Burnett, Jr., De An Burnett Eddleman, and Patrick William Burnett and wife Julia. Jimmy is also survived by his stepson William W. Gunn, III. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Dr. Michael Wayne Burnett in 2015 due to pneumonia. Jimmy is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and spouses.
Jaime, Amelia, and Evan Burnett of Nashville, TN; David Solis and son Sebastian; Christopher Burnett, wife Dr. Janna Burnett, and their children Miller and Elliott; Ann Marie Burnett Deveau, her husband Bobby Deveau, and their children Graham and Benjamin; all of whom reside in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas; and, Matthew Taylor Eddleman, with his wife Claire De Rocha Ayers who reside in Chesapeake Beach, MD. Step grandchildren from Jimmy's marriage to Janie Gunn are: Noble Gunn and Molly Gunn of NY, NY. Jimmy is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Jimmy celebrated every single day of his 96+ years, with boundless optimism, kindness, gratitude and zest for life that was a true gift and lasting legacy for his family and many friends.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Jul. 29, 2022.