James Virgil Burnett

Dr. James (“Jimmy”) Virgil Burnett passed away 6:30 pm Sunday, July 24, 2022 at

the youthful age of 96. A Memorial Service, followed by Reception with the

Family, will honor a celebration of Jimmy’s life at 11 am Saturday, July 30, 2022 at

Trinity Terrace Auditorium, 1600 Texas Street, Fort Worth, Texas. All who knew

him are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Memorial Donations, in lieu of

flowers he loved, may be made to:

1) Trinity Terrace Foundation or

2) Trinity Terrace Employee Appreciation Fund

Jimmy was born June 16, 1926 in Dallas, Texas as the only child of Raymond and

Lorine Burnett, Jimmy was well-travelled throughout the United States when his

family relocated to Fort Worth in 1937. Jimmy attended Lily B. Clayton

Elementary, McLean Junior High School and graduated early from Paschal High

School for his 1943 enlistment in the Navy, beginning what became a 34-year

Navy career, including active duty during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and

Viet Nam, amongst others.

Dr. Burnett earned his DDS degree at Baylor School of Dentistry (now known as

Texas A & M) in 1948 and became a Baylor Instructor in 1949. He

completed his 5 years Preceptorship for Prosthodontics specialization under

tutelage from Dr. Eugene Brown, becoming partner in Brown, Brown, and

Burnett for 20 years 1954-1974 and completed the next 40 years of practice

with Dr. Brent Hicks.

Dr. Burnett was highly respected for his lifelong service to God, Country, Church,

Family and Community. He practiced both general and prosthodontics dentistry in

Fort Worth for 65 years, served as Board Member and in many other leadership

roles for some 40 different professional and charitable organizations. As an

instructor, author, professional clinician, and Naval officer, he was awarded

numerous Navy decorations and metals, professional honors of recognition, and

trophies, plus a Navy Commendation for service performed as Wing Dental Officer

in command of all dental services for the 4th Marine Air Wing.

Blessed with two happy marriages to Patti Joyce Dean Burnett for 37 years

1948-1986 and Janie Read Gunn Burnett for 31 years 1987-2018, “Jimmy” wanted

a very large family. His wish was fulfilled, as he is survived by three beloved

children, James Virgil Burnett, Jr., De An Burnett Eddleman, and Patrick William

Burnett and wife Julia. Jimmy is also survived by his stepson William W. Gunn, III.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son Dr. Michael Wayne Burnett in 2015

due to pneumonia. Jimmy is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 5 great

grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and spouses:

Jaime, Amelia, and Evan Burnett of Nashville, TN; David Solis and son Sebastian;

Christopher Burnett, wife Dr. Janna Burnett, and their children Miller and Elliott;

Ann Marie Burnett Deveau, her husband Bobby Deveau, and their children

Graham and Benjamin; all of whom reside in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas;

and, Matthew Taylor Eddleman, with his wife Claire De Rocha Ayers who reside in

Chesapeake Beach, MD.

Step grandchildren from Jimmy’s marriage to Janie Gunn are: Noble Gunn and

Molly Gunn of NY, NY. Jimmy is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Jimmy celebrated every single day of his 96+ years, with boundless optimism,

kindness, gratitude and zest for life that was a true gift and lasting legacy for his

family and many friends.