James Burnes

1947 - 2015

Hanford

James R. Burnes

James R. Burnes: Born in Salinas, California in 1947 to Gerald and Inez Burnes. James, or Jim/Jimmy as his friends and family knew him, served in the U.S. Army from 1964 through 1988 where he retired as a Sergeant First Class. Jim started his career as a tank crewman than he later changed his job to Military Police Officer where he served as a Military Police Investigator for most of his career. Jim's passion for law enforcement drove him on to become a regular author for several police and security magazines throughout his professional life.

Jim married Pat Barnes in 1975 in Texas while he was stationed at Ft Hood, TX. Jim later became the beloved father of Robert, Joleigh, and Rodney Burnes; the family followed their father throughout the U.S. and overseas for a long tour in Germany. Jim was later stationed at the former Ft. Ord where he finally retired then pursued his second career in criminal investigations. Jim was known for his steadfast devotion to his children, his love for his wife, his strong sense of service before self, and his never ending thirst to learn and apply the traditions of his Native American heritage. He also enjoyed muscle cars, especially Mustangs, motorcycles, science fiction movies (the worse the better!), writing, researching anything that he was curious about, and bonsai trees. Despite his sense of humor and easy smile, his presence could command a room. He was both the oak tree and the jester, Jim's sense of humor was only equaled by his wisdom; both of which he shared willingly with all and without limit. His presence, his laugh, his pearls of experience, and his support will be grossly missed for years and years to come by all lucky enough to be touched by his life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 40 years. His legacy continues on through his sons and his daughter, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, his sister, and his brother.

A Note from Your Children: We were not ready for you to leave; there was still so much to learn from you. You were our constant support, the rational thought, and our gentle reminder that life is far more than money and a title-it is service, love, and loyalty. Even when you endured pain that would cripple or kill most, you smiled and refused to acknowledge the intense pain stating, "I'll let my body know when I'm done." We feel lucky to have called you father for as long as we were blessed to have you in this life. We will miss you, dearly, until we see you again on the other side of this life. With love and affection-your sons and daughter.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Healey Mortuary Chapel, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas, CA 93905.

Burial with full military honors will follow services at the Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbott St., Salinas, CA 93901.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Healey Mortuary. www.healeymortuary.com