James L. Burdick

James Loren Burdick was born in Austin, Minnesota to parents Clifford and Alta (Reed) Burdick on August 17th, 1942. He was raised in Austin with his two sisters Ruthann and Hazel. Highlights of his youth were the summers that he spent on the family farm and the good times shared with his cousins.

Following high school, James immediately entered military service during the Vietnam era. He was an infantryman and served a tour in Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was wounded in action and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1969. James was a two-time recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He also received a Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and a Rifle Expert Badge.

While in recovery from his war injuries at Madigan General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, James was offered a position as a mail handler for the US Postal Service. He accepted the offer and worked for the next 30 years as a mail handler. During his career James lived in North Portland, OR. Just before his retirement in 1995, he moved to Vancouver, Washington, where he lived for the remainder of his days.

James was a devoted sports follower and his favorite teams were the Seattle Mariners, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed gardening and was especially partial to the Hydrangea. James collected guns. He enjoyed travel, and favorite destinations were to return to his home in Minnesota. Following retirement, James took a very special and memorable trip to New Zealand and Australia. He had many dog companions over the years, they were his “babies”.

James is survived by sisters Ruthann and Hazel; step-daughter Diana Slagle; grandsons, Markus Slagle (Sherry), Marty Slagle (Misty), Mathew Slagle (Marlo); granddaughter, Monica Berden; great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Trevin, Kindra, and Hunter Slagle, Elizabeth Slagle; and one great-great-grandchild, Payton Slagle.

A private graveside service will be held in Skyline Memorial Gardens. James will be laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens, Garden of the Old Rugged Cross.

A celebration of James's life will take place on Saturday, November 17th, 2012, at 3pm. Further information is available by calling Skyline Funeral Home.

Please visit James’ Internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com. Thank you.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site.

Thank you.