Ellis "Jim" James Burnett Jr.

He was born in Burley, Idaho in 1932 to Ellis James Sr. and Gertie Matilda Burnett while they owned a farm. Jimmy, as he was known to his family, had 3 sisters and a brother. Their mother died when Jim was 4 and when his Father remarried, Cora and her 5 children joined the Burnett family. With a large family and a small farmhouse, Jim and his older brothers slept in the potato cellar for several years. That is probably where Jim developed his cool and dry sense of humor.

The family moved to northern Utah while Jim was going to school. He was a good student and participated in wrestling, football, roller skating, horseback riding and rodeo. He joined the marines at 18 and served his country in the Korean war. After his service he studied engineering at Utah State University. Worked at several companies in Utah, New York, California and Colorado. While living in Arvada he met his wife of 49 years, Penny. Jim has been a great provider, protector, supporter, friend, husband and father.

He is survived by his wife Penny, sister Eleanor, daughters Mary and Kathleen, sons Matthew, Kirk and Michael, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.