James "Jim" Burleigh

James Reynolds Burleigh September 6, 1936 - January 15, 2025

James “Jim” Burleigh was born to Elmer and Inez Burleigh in Fresno, California on September 6, 1936. Jim spent his early years in Fresno, graduating from Central Union High School in 1954 and Fresno State College in 1958.

Jim married Grace Williams in January 1959. They added four children to this union: sons Mark, who proceeded him in death, David, Steven and daughter Jennifer. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Mark Charles., who also preceded him in death, Rosemary, Max and Annalia. There are three great grandchildren,

Following his goal to serve as an agricultural missionary, Jim’s academic pursuits involved a year at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. He did graduate studies at Washington State University, Pullman, Washington earning a PhD in Plant Pathology in 1964.

His life’s work was a series of adventures, encouraged (and made possible) by Grace, including professor of Plant Pathology at Chico State University, Chico, California, serial crop and plant disease instructor in Rabat, Morocco, and similar capacities in Rwanda, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. A formative period of Jim’s life involved two summers as a smokejumper for the US Forest Service. He remained a member of the National Smokejumpers Association and volunteered his time and energy to forest restoration projects.

Grace, partner and stolid supporter for 56 years passed in 2015. Cast alone, he was ultimately blessed in remarriage to Caren Martin. Caren has been a happy complement to his life of service both domestic and international. Jim is survived by his loving wife Caren, sons David and Steven, daughter Jennifer, sister Nancy and brother Biff. The list of friends and philanthropic projects is more than can be placed on a written page.

Jim was a loving man who was driven by his Faith and commitment to care for many people in many lands and cultures. Jim’s absence is mourned, his life is celebrated.

A service honoring James Burleigh will be held at Lutheran Church of the Servant in Santa Fe, NM on Feb.1 at 11 a.m. Memorials can be sent to Nami Sseppuuya Community Resource Center in Jina, Uganda via Caren Martin-Burleigh who can wire directly to their account. A second opportunity would be to donate to the Khan Younis Orphanage : www.every.org/ibn-asheer-institute-of-islam/f/orphan-drive. 

Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola, NM would like to thank the family of James Burleigh for their trust. (505)753-2288