James "Jim" Burleson

Arden James Marion Jim Burleson, 90, of 153 Tampa Blvd, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at the Lodge at Mills River. A native of Madison County, he had resided in Buncombe County since 1947. He retired in 1980 as a Truck Driver for Pilot Freight Carrier and formerly was a driver for Johnson Motor Lines and Overnight Trucking Company. He was a member of Lake Hills Church and was a WWII veteran, having served in the US Navy for eight years and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a member of the Biltmore Masonic Lodge #446 for 53 years where he held his 32nd degree Scottish rite and was a Shriner. He was a son of the late Landon ODell and Rosa Lee Allen Burleson and was the husband of Josephine Mae Ms Jo Burnette Burleson who died January 11, 2012. His greatest pleasures came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his large network of family and friends, both locally and throughout the country. He never met a stranger. Surviving are his sons, Steve L. Burleson of Weaverville and Bobby R. Burleson and wife Jaine of Gastonia; daughters, Diane LeBeau and husband Jack of Arden and Kay Duggins and husband Larry of Mountain Home; sisters, Peggy Shope and Dottie Shope both of Black Mountain; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Lake Hills Church with Rev. James Walker, Rev. Sam Burleson and Lt. Saul Burleson, Chaplain US Navy officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites conducted by the US Navy. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be made to: Lake Hills Church Building Fund, 370 Lake Drive, Candler, NC 28715.