Jim Burleson

Celebrating the Life of

Jimmie Verle Burleson

December 15, 1938 – June 18, 2026

Jimmie Verle Burleson was born on December 15, 1938, at Blackwell Hospital in Gorman, Texas, to Lee Roy and Ima Lee Burleson. Raised in Desdemona, Jim attended school there from first grade through high school, forming lifelong friendships and a deep love for the community that would always be home.

On July 20, 1957, Jim married Karen Louise Lewis, beginning a marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and quiet strength. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Their son, Carl, was born in 1958, followed by their daughter, Cindy, in 1961.

Jim and Karen spent their early married years in East Texas and later in west Fort Worth, where Jim worked at Howell Instruments while Karen attended TCU. In the early 1970s, they returned to Desdemona to raise their children close to family and the land they loved. 

Jim worked for Miears Butane and Red Chain Feeds before beginning what became his life’s career with Birdsong Peanuts in 1975. For 30 years fulltime and 7 years parttime, Jim served the company with loyalty, dependability, and pride. His coworkers knew him as steady, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in simple, meaningful things: time with family, the familiar roads of Desdemona, and his John Deere equipment—especially his Gator, which he drove with the enthusiasm of a man half his age. He loved the Lord and lived out his faith through kindness, humility, and a gentle spirit.

Jim was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend. His presence brought comfort; his smile brought encouragement; his life brought blessing.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his sister, Georgia Ann Iley; his son, Carl, and wife Julie; his daughter, Cindy Burleson Adam; granddaughters Lauren Burleson and Alayna Adam; grandsons Darren Adam and Lyndon Adam, and great-grandson Riley Moller.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roy Jack Burleson.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Gorman, with graveside services following at Desdemona Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 24, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Higginbotham Funeral Home.

Jim lived a life of love, faith, and gratitude. His legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.