James Martin "Jim" Burless

James Martin "Jim" Burless, of Somerset Center, Michigan, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson, Michigan. He was born on January 25, 1949, in Marion, Ohio, the son of James Elliot and Ruby Goodson.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Burless; two daughters, Glennie (Nelson) Venerio of Altamonte Springs, FL and Tanya (Damian) Howard of Edmond, OK; three step-children, Dawn (Dennis) Wolff of Somerset, MI, Morrie (Jeannie) Fink of Myrtle Beach, SC and Larry (Natasha) Fink of Moundsville, WV; 10 grandchildren, Alicia, Devin, Marcus, Herlena, Damian, Jr., Jessica, Robert, Aiden, Natalie and Nora; eight great-grandchildren as well as several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Barbara Deakins of St. Petersburg, FL and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Elliot and Ruby Goodson; step-father, Robert Goodson; one step-daughter, Bonnie Dobson; one grandson, Leonard "Leon" Barnes III and one brother-in-law, Leonard Deakins.
Mr. Burless honorably served his country for over 20 years, with combined service in the United States Army and the United Sates Navy. He was a Vietnam Veteran and also served in other campaigns, including Iraq. Following his retirement from the Military he worked as a Correctional Officer. He was a lifetime member of the N.R.A. and an active member of the American Legion. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the F.O.E. Lodge.
A memorial service to honor the life of Mr. James Martin "Jim" Burless will be held at the Hampton Funeral Home in Jackson, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, beginning at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor Lucas Miller officiating. The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation, at the funeral home, on Thursday, from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhomes.com to sign the guest book and/or send a condolence to the family.
Hampton Funeral Homes – Jackson
517-315-4333