James Joseph Burkeen, 84, went home to Glory February 26, 2015. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Shirley; his brother Bill Burkeen of N. Little Rock, sister-in-law Jean Burkeen; Niece, Lisa Fortner (Tim) and great nephew, Burke Fortner of Cleveland, OH. Jim was born in Newbern, TN and graduated from Newbern High School in 1950. He served four years in the United States Air Force and for 11 years was a full time active Air Force Reservist with the 445th Troop Carrier Wing, Squadron 701. He was Automotive Instructor at Northside High School for 43 years. He collected and restored antique automobiles and was a member of the Memphis Old Time Car Club and Antique Automobile Club of America. He was a member of Covenant Baptist Church where he served as deacon, and a charter member of Parkway Village Baptist Church. A visitation will be held at Covenant Baptist Church, 3170 Houston Levee Road, Collierville, TN 38017 on Monday, March 2 from 11am – 12pm with a funeral service to follow at 12:00pm. Memorials may be made to Covenant Baptist Church, PO Box 1165, Collierville, TN 38027-1165.
