James Leonard Burwell's Obituary
In Loving Memory of James Leonard Burwell
It is with grateful hearts that we remember the life and legacy of James Leonard Burwell, who peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Born on August 1, 1933, to William Proctor Burwell and Bertha Mae Smith Noe Burwell, in Oaks, Oklahoma, James’ remarkable life journey began very humbly during the Great Depression. His formative years were spent developing a life-long passion for all things outdoor - fishing, hunting, and playing baseball and basketball with his friends Blakie Thompson and Ardell Porter.
After graduating high school, James joined the Navy, where he served with honor and distinction on the USS Bon Homme Richard during the Korean War. After serving his country, he returned to Oklahoma to attend Northeastern A&M (now Northeastern State University), earning his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (Kappa Mu Epsilon, honorary mathematics society). It was also at college where James met and started a 65-year relationship with his future wife, Bobbie Maxine Thompson, and life-long friends, Jack and Mary Matthews.
In 1957, started working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth, where he was on many aerospace projects. From there he had a storied career as an engineer, chemist, owner of multiple paint manufacturing companies (Service Paint Mfg and Midwest Coatings), salesman, and entrepreneur.
Even though James was a successful businessman, his true accomplishment was in the dedication to the relationships he cultivated. He was a faithful Christian and loving husband, father, Pops, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, philanthropist, and coach.
James was active in Rotary Club of Tulsa for 25+ years and also enjoyed serving his community in quiet ways. As a child of the Great Depression, he understood hunger and it drove his commitment for donating to food pantries and organizations who feed the hungry and take care of the needy.
James coached Jim’s and Jeff’s football and baseball teams from Elementary through Junior High, Jim’s summer league baseball team in high school and Jim’s basketball teams in Elementary and Junior High.
He had a passion for being an outdoorsman/sportsman (mostly fishing, hunting, football, baseball, basketball, and golf), as well as a passion for traveling, puzzles, and dessert (mostly ice cream). He instilled these passions in his children and grandchildren and shared them with many of his friends and family.
James is survived by two sons, Jimmy David Burwell (Tracey Raymond) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jeffrey Arnold Burwell (Duong Le) of Owasso, Oklahoma; one daughter, Marlena Gail Burwell of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandsons, David William Burwell (Sara), Michael Burwell, Rocky Nguyen, and Benjamin Burwell, one bonus granddaughter, Amy McKinley Larwood (Ross), and one great grandson, Charlie Burwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bobbie, his last wife, Barbara, as well as his 15 siblings; George Noe, Joe Lee Noe, Vina Noe Quinton, Ruby Noe Snell, Cordy Noe Edwards, William Noe, William “Pete” Burwell, Heddie Burwell, Lily Burwell, David Burwell, Maggie Burwell Philpott, Demcy “Buck” Burwell, Ellen Burwell Davis, C. L. Burwell, and Clara Burwell Cleveland.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma or Alzheimer’s Association.
A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at Floral Haven Funeral Home: 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Anyone wishing to send flowers may do so by ordering through our website or by calling Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525. Any other florists may deliver flowers directly to Floral Haven Funeral Home by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in order for them to be set out and properly displayed for James' visitation.
A celebration of life service to honor James will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Owasso First Baptist Church, located at 13307 E 96th St N, Owasso, OK 74055, with Pastor Brian Zinck officiating.
A luncheon reception will be held once the church service concludes, also at Owasso First Baptist Church. James' family would like to warmly extend an invitation to anyone wishing to attend in order to continue in fellowship and sharing of memories.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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