James Harlen Burley

James Harlen Burley – YakimaJim Burley passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, January 31, 2010. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Burley (deceased), brother of Jerome Burley and devoted husband of Carol for nearly 50 years. He was honored to be the father of Sharon Metz, Steve Burley (Tena), Kathy Rowe (Jamie #1), and Sarah Fate (Jamie #2). The name “James” is huge in our family! Eleven much adored grandchildren called him “Papa” – Lara, Jake & Kyle Burley, Liz Tikriti, Kiersten Stuewe-Rowe, Taylor & Harley Rowe, Makenzie & Morgan Metz, and Emma & Lane Fate.Jim was an accomplished, multi-talented man who shared his many gifts with his family, his community and his church.Jim fostered “golf fever” in the Burley clan and nearly everyone at least tried it. Some settled for “cart drivers”, some became below average “whack-thud” players (coached by Jim, who said, “If you can’t play well, play fast”), one was a “natural”, shooting in the 60’s, 70’s & low 80’s ( with sons who can come close), and a wife who does well as an occasional golfer. His granddaughter went to Montana State on a golf scholarship. The rest of us were content to make lunches, drive carts, or listen to the stories.Jim loved to share his knowledge of geology, his love of travel and his many other interests with both family and friends.Jim’s community benefited from his service on the YMCA board (for a number of years), his participation in the Master Gardeners program, where he assisted callers to the County Extension office with their gardening questions, worked on the plant sale/fundraiser and met with others involved in all phases of agriculture and home gardening. Many became friends there and several homes in the area showcase his landscaping talents. Jim taught the Yakima Valley to grow blueberries and a commercial industry flourishes because he believed, “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. Jim also developed a “leaf feed” used on fruit trees around the world today! Jim’s numerous random acts of kindness to individuals were anonymous and unheralded.Jim loved his church, Wesley United Methodist, where he served on the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee. Through the years, in his quiet, unobtrusive manner he assisted numerous Pastors and the congregation in “coming together” as a whole. He loved having his family rooted in the message, traditions and fellowship of his church. Shortly before he died, and after many hours of inability to communicate with us, he was heard to say “no, I don’t think so”, “yes, of course”, “no!”, etc. We all assumed he was filling out his “resume” for Orientation in Heaven.DID YOU KNOW? JIM . . . . •Was in the movies – “The Corn is Green” and “The Bells of St. Marys” with Bing Crosby? •Had a fabulous dry sense of humor – ie; requested “Who Hit Annie In Fannie With A Flounder” when asked for a musical preference and routinely asked for a “virgin martini” in restaurants? •Could complete a crossword puzzle in 3 minutes flat? •MANTRA – “Actions speak louder than words”.He was admired, respected and loved by his family, friends and all who knew him. No man can ask for more. He will be sorely missed by us all.Services Celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Yakima. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Memorial Hospital Foundation, c/o Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902Special thanks to Jim who taught us all by the way he lived his life, to his caregivers Gaby & Kathleen (whom he loved dearly) and to GOD, who was with us all the way!