James McBurnett

On Friday February 24 at approximately 9:15 a.m. James Raymond McBurnett known by many in Kerrville as The Can Man passed away quietly and peacefully at his home in Kerrville after a bout with cancer. He was 77 years old.James was born on April 12, 1928 in Brownwood, Texas the son of Audrey and Luther McBurnett. He grew up in Brownwood and graduated from Brownwood High School in May of 1946. On June 4, 1946 he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the Air Force. Throughout his 23 year career in the United States Air Force, James rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and earned his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Omaha. His tours of duty included South Korea, during the Korean War, where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Republic Of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the United Nations Service Medal, along with the National Defense Service Medal.James also served in Vietnam and was stationed at Tonsonuit Air Base in Saigon from 1965 to 1966. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service against an armed enemy, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.Following his retirement form the Air Force in 1971, James worked as a plant manager for Plantation Foods in Waco, TX and later as store manager for Radio Shack. In 1984 he and his wife Venetia moved to Kerrville where James opened the BAMCO Recycling Store which he operated until February 1 of 2006. James received several awards for his assistance in raising money for the Host Lions Club in Kerrville and was proud of his affiliation with the Lions. He requested that donations be made to the Host Lions Club in lieu of flowers. He was always smiling, and well known for his belief of Follow your nose, live natural, and die natural.To the end, James R. McBurnett was an American patriot and believer in freedom. James is survived by his wife, Venetia Jean McBurnett of Kerrville daughter, Kimberly Oakey and her husband Steve Oakey son, David McBurnett and his wife Lisa D. McBurnett and son, Michael McBurnett and his wife Rosa. In addition, James has seven grandchildren, Charles Oakey and his wife Kathleen, Robin Oakey, Samantha McBurnett, Emily McBurnett, Nicholas McBurnett, Amy McBurnett, and Stephanie McBurnett and two greatgrandchildren, Aidan Oakey and Rhiannon Oakey. He is also survived by his older brother William Adrian McBurnett of Big Springs, TX.A memorial celebrating the life of James R. McBurnett will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the Kerrville Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Kerrville Funeral Home.

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