of Clinton, AR
September 20, 1947 - May 15, 2010
James E. Burnett, Jr.
September 20, 1947 May 15, 2010
Jim Burnett, 62, a national leader on transportation safety issues, died on May 15, 2010, in Clinton, Arkansas, from complications related to diabetes. He was attended by family and friends. Mr. Burnett was born on September 20, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to James E. Burnett, Sr. and Hazel Baker Burnett.
Mr. Burnett, a lawyer for over 35 years, was a graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law, and was admitted to the Bar of Arkansas in 1973. His law practice in Clinton was interrupted by periods of public service, most notably, service as a Member and Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board from 1981-1991. The NTSB is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating accidents in civil aviation and other modes of transportation, including highways and railroads, and responsible for issuing safety recommendations to avoid future accidents. Mr. Burnett was appointed to the NTSB by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the United States Senate.
In addition to NTSB accident investigations, Mr. Burnett was active in implementing transportation safety policies related to drug and alcohol abuse. Mr. Burnett successfully led the campaign to raise the minimum drinking age to 21 across the nation, a policy estimated to have saved over 20,000 lives. Following the derailment of a hazardous materials railroad train in Livingston, Louisiana in 1982, Mr. Burnett led efforts to establish federal rules addressing intoxication of railroad workers, which eventually led to drug and alcohol testing for all transportation workers. In 1986, First Lady Nancy Reagan presented Mr. Burnett the National Commission Against Drunk Driving Award in recognition of his leadership of the NTSB's efforts to reduce the threat of alcohol abuse to the safety of the nation's transportation system. In aviation matters, Mr. Burnett's efforts were successful in obtaining rules to require airlines to avoid deadly microburst windshear storms and to require the use of aviation collision avoidance systems. In addition, under Mr. Burnett's leadership, ground collision avoidance systems were required of regional airlines. Each of these efforts led to virtual elimination of significant categories of aviation accidents.
During his tenure as Chairman of the NTSB, Mr. Burnett chaired week-long public hearings on 18 major transportation accidents and safety issues. He testified more than 70 times before committees of the Congress, and 20 times before state legislatures on transportation safety issues. He also testified before the Canadian House of Commons on legislation which resulted in the establishment of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. In 1994, the IREI Air Safety Foundation of Japan dedicated a monument in Mr. Burnett's honor near the site of a 1985 Japan Airlines crash in Japan. The ''Burnett Memorial'' recognized Mr. Burnett's worldwide leadership in aviation safety and accident prevention. In 1996, NASA and the United States Space Foundation chose Mr. Burnett for induction into the Space Technology Hall of Fame for his promotion of the fire resistant air craft seat, a space program originated technology. The implementation of this seat is estimated to save an average of 20 lives per year in civil aviation. In 2000, Mr. Burnett was inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Mr. Burnett graduated from Clinton High School and was awarded its Distinguished Alumnus Award. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in 1970, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Sigma Alpha. He is a 1973 graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law, and is an alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Mr. Burnett began his public service in 1967 as an intern for United States Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt of the Third District of Arkansas, later became a staff member for Congressman Hammerschmidt, and enjoyed a lifelong association with the Congressman.
Mr. Burnett was elected Municipal Judge for the City of Clinton and for Van Buren County in 1974. He was, at that time, the youngest Judge in the State of Arkansas. He also served as Juvenile Judge for Van Buren County and City Judge for Damascus, Arkansas. He was appointed on several occasions by Governor Mike Huckabee to serve as Special Circuit Judge and as a Special Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. He also served as City Prosecutor for Clinton, Arkansas, and has served the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas as a Commissioner and as Foreman of the Grand Jury. After leaving federal government service in 1991, Mr. Burnett returned to practice law in his home town, and continued his practice until his recent retirement. He also continued to provide expert comment and consultation upon transportation safety issues on a national basis. Mr. Burnett served as a consultant to NBC-MSNBC News and regularly provided commentary on high visibility accidents. He appeared frequently on network and cable television programs, commenting on transportation safety matters.
Mr. Burnett served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Arkansas Bar Association, and was a member of its Association Task Force on Attorney-Client Privilege. He was also a member of the American Bar Association and an Associate Member of the Lawyer Pilot's Bar Association. He was Chairman of the Board of Advisors of the Southern California Safety Institute for which he taught courses in advanced accident investigation and safety decision making. He served on the Executive Committee of the International Aircraft Cabin Safety & Health Symposium. Mr. Burnett was a member of the Board of Directors of Vision Technologies, Inc., a corporation which develops and markets miniature constant focus cameras, along with fiber optic and digital technology for use in maritime, aviation, and other transportation and security applications. Its principal customer is the United States Navy. Mr. Burnett was a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators, the National Association of Railroad Safety Consultants & Investigators, the Air Traffic Control Association, Inc., and the American Society for Quality.
Mr. Burnett was a life-long Republican and, at the time of his death, was the Republican National Committeeman for Arkansas and a member of the Rules Committee of the Republican National Committee. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Arkansas Republican Party and served as General Counsel of the Republican Party of Arkansas and a member of its Rules Committee. He chaired several Republican State Conventions. Mr. Burnett attended his first Republican National Convention in 1960 when he was twelve years old, upon an invitation of the Executive Committee of the Arkansas Republican Party extended to him after an address he made to that group. He attended every Republican National Convention thereafter, and was a member of the National Convention Rules Committee in 1980. Mr. Burnett was legal counsel to the successful gubernatorial campaign of Frank White, who defeated then incumbent Governor Bill Clinton in 1980. He also was Arkansas Co-Chair of the 1992 re-election campaign of President George H. Bush, and managed the 1992 campaign of Ed Bethune for Arkansas Attorney General.
Mr. Burnett was active in the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, serving on its Board of Directors, and on the Van Buren County 4-H Foundation. He also served on the Van Buren County Hospital Board of Governors, and was Chairman of the Clinton, Arkansas Airport Commission.
Mr. Burnett was a member of the congregation of the Church of Christ at Choctaw, Arkansas, where he taught the Wednesday night Adult Bible Class for a number of years.
Mr. Burnett was preceded in death by his grandparents, James S. and Georgia Mae Kinder Burnett of Clinton, and J.W. and Hazel Glidewell Baker of Ferndale, and by his father James E. Burnett, Sr., and two aunts, Martha Coulter and Carol Tremmel Fitzgibbon. Mr. Burnett is survived by his mother, Hazel Baker Burnett of Clinton, his sister, Jo-Beth Shaw of Springdale, Arkansas, and her husband Rev. Tom Shaw, and his two nephews and a niece, Derek Thomas Shaw of Clinton, Nathan Luke Shaw, currently serving with the United States Army at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and Kati Beth Scott and her husband Donnie Scott of Dahlonega, Georgia, and a cousin, Baker Coulter from Crossett. He is also survived by his five godchildren, Mary McDonald Kindelt and her husband Nicholas Kindelt of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jamie McDonald of Washington, D.C., Emerson Aguilera of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Emily McDonald of Los Angeles, California, and Katherine McDonald of Washington, D.C., and by many extended family members and long-time friends.
Mr. Burnett's pallbearers will be: Marguerite Chapman; Ann Clemmer; Jim Collom; Vicky D'Onofrio; David Davies; Merl Eoff; Jamie Evans; Herb Fendley; Matthew Furman; John Arthur Hammerschmidt; John Paul Hammerschmidt; Sue Kid; Sid King; Fritz Kronberger; George Lease; Gen. Bill Lefler; Richard McCormac; Jamie McDonald; Gene McKissic; Emma Smiley; Jeff Smith; Mike Spades; Shane Tharp; John Gary Tomlinson; and Kenny Whillock.
Visitation will be held at the Fellowship Hall of the Choctaw Church of Christ from 1:00 8:00 p.m. on May 19, 2010. The funeral service will be held at the Choctaw Church of Christ on May 20, 2010, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow thereafter at a graveside service at the Clinton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Mr. Burnett's memory to the favorite charity of the donor is suggested.
Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. (501) 745-2151
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Sign Guestbook
66 Condolence(s)
martha mulford
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
To the Burnett family, We extend our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of your loved one, Jim Burnett. He was a great man and a friend. Mrs. Burnett -you were a teacher to me and some of my siblings. I always liked having you as a teacher. You were a positive influence in the lives of your students. The late John F. Kennedy had said "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country". Jim Burnett done a lot for his country. He was a positive influence on the lives of many people also. When he was investigating accidents- he would get to the root of the problem and find out what caused the accident. He was a very smart man and very well respected. He was more like a family member to our family because Mom and Dad both done business with Eugene Burnett at his store. They bought some of our school clothes there and Mom would buy material to make us dresses. Mom and Dad also bought the flowers for cemetary decorations there. Your family has been friends with our family for a long time and we do treasure the friendship. I know some day soon we will see him again in heaven. He will be missed by all who knew him. May God wrap his big arms around you all and comfort you all in your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, JoAnn (Isom) Bradford and Martha (Isom) Mulford
Glenna West Clutts
Monday, May 24, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was an inspiration to many people. His memory and his work will live a very long time.
Matthew Finucane
Friday, May 21, 2010
My condolences to the Burnett family on the loss of this great man. I met Jim when he was Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and fought with courageous determination for safety improvements after major accidents, while always taking time to share some supportive and insightful thoughts with those of us in the industry who were involved in the accident investigations.
Every person who travels today is safer today because of Chairman Burnett’s work, and those of us working for improved safety in Washington, D.C. during his tenure were lucky to have him here both as inspiration and friend.
Matthew Finucane
Bud Cummins
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Three decades ago, a young person wanting to volunteer time for conservative causes in Arkansas discovered that they were signing up to join a very small army. Back in those days, to do so you had to truly believe in conservative government, because most of the victories, rewards and other privileges were being controlled by another party. One of the few people in the state willing to unapologetically put their name and reputation on the line at that time was Jim Burnett. It may be hard to imagine now, but it was particularly courageous for an attorney to stand up and be counted back then, because of the potential reprecussions to a legal practice. Once you got past the Rockefellers, the Hammerschmidts, the Whites, and the Bethunes the list of true leaders got pretty short. Jim Burnett was on that list then, and continued for his entire life to be a principled, ethical leader for everyone dedicated to notions of liberty and freedom. Jim Burnett's contributions to our state and to our country are difficult to measure, as is only partly demonstrated by the impressive summary in his obituary of his many activities and accomplishments. He was a friend and mentor to me, and I, like so many others, will miss him a great deal.
Sheila (Treat) Stroud
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Mrs. Burnett and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Jim and I grew up together, graduated together and have remained life-long friends. The last time I was in Clinton we stopped on the street and visited one another. He was such a sweet person. He took the time to call me and offer his condolences when my daughter Sonja was killed in the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing. May God put his loving arms around your family and give you comfort during your time of grief.
Deborah (Bramlett) Johnson
Thursday, May 20, 2010
To Mrs. Burnett and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim was a fine person who helped a lot of people; he was widely respected and will be missed. I will always remember his and your kindness to my family, and especially to my parents.
Steven Bonds
Thursday, May 20, 2010
I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Burnett family. I will never forget all of the times Jim was there for my family. His touching eulogy at my grandmother's funeral is something I will never forget. He also made me feel very welcome at the RNC in Philadelphia back in 2000. He left us way too soon but he gave us all so much.
Regina Russell
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Mrs Burnett,
Jim was always a friend to my mom, dad and me. He was a very nice man with integrity. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
Bless You,
Imo and Ileene Russell
Chad and Krystil Brown
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
So sorry to hear about the loss of such a great man! Praying for the family!
Leah Bradford Black
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Mrs. Burnett, Jo Beth, and family,
Jim was one of the sons of the greatest generation, and one of the greatest of our generation. I remember walking down the hill from Clinton High School with him one day in about 1964. He talked about history all the way down the hill. The thought went through my teenage brain that someday this guy is going to be somebody big in politics. At the time I was thinking maybe the first Republican governor of Arkansas since reconstruction.
The years flew by, and in the eighties when he would appear on television I used to point him out to my young daughter. I would tell her about the passion and dedication he had for our country from the time he was a young boy. Yesterday morning when I forwarded his obituary to her, her husband sent back a reply. He said "Wow.... this guy is all over HR books and OSHA related books. So much of the laws he helped get enacted affect my job every day!" That teenage prediction certainly came true in more ways than I ever could have imagined.
We grieve with you the loss of your son, brother, and uncle, We rejoice with Jim who is certain to have heard the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
This world is a better place because Jim Burnett lived here for sixty-two years. Class reunions will never be the same without him.
Marti' & Larry Shannon
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jimmy Burnett, we are going to really really miss you, until we met again........
Linda Isom Cartwright
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Mrs. Burnett, Jo Beth and Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Jim's passing. What a great legacy he has left for his family. I remember the good times we had in high school, especially in Beta Club. Since I went to college in Texas and then became a permanent Texas resident, I hadn't seen Jim in person until my Dad' s funeral. But he was still the same Jim. He was always such a gentleman. And what a wonderful laugh he had! He was one of a kind.
Linda
Bob and Lou Ann Isom McKay
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Mrs. Burnett and Family:
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to all of you.
Jim was our friend for many years, and, even though we hadn't seen him (other than on television) since Dad's funeral, we occasionally spoke with him by phone. He was never too busy to offer requested advice or assistance. We will never forget his unique ability to colorfully narrate all those great, memorable anecdotes. During our last conversation with Jim, he reminded us of a somewhat dangerous, yet very hilarious, patrol car ride that he and Bob had experienced many years ago. It was a very funny story, and we all laughed profusely.
Our friend Jim (and his wonderful, unique, hearty laugh) will be sorely missed and remembered always!
Bob and Lou Ann Isom McKay
Sara Jo Fendley
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Hazel, Jo Beth and family. what a loss for all of you, the Republican Party and his many many friends. I'm so glad I got to say a few words to him on Friday. Jim was a good friend and political confidant. We had lots of fun discussing old times and political issues as well as people we both knew. He made wonderful contributions to our country, our state and particularly to his hometown and church. We will all miss him.
JJ Vigneault
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jim will be missed by his many friends and colleagues. He made a diiference in many people's lives for the better!!! My sympthy and best wishes to his family.
Barbara Evans
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Hazel, JoBeth and Family,
I just want you all to know how saddened I am for you and all of us who loved Jim. I feel so blessed to have known him for all these years. He was the kind of friend everyone wants. Sunny and I were trying to think of someone's name a few days ago. She looked at me and said,"We need Jim. He would know." What a wonderful mind he had and what wonderful ways he used it. This world will never have another Jim Burnett. He was a very special person. I'm so glad to have known him.
Rodney and Diane Jackson
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Mrs. Burnett, Jo Beth and Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry for your loss.
Mr. Jim, A man who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders; with such prestige, great pride, but yet, the most humble man, we have ever known. His gentle smile and greetings will greatly be missed.
Rodney, Diane and Tyler Jackson
Carlie Tapley
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wiil be missed
Amanda Newman
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Will be missed
Judy Simpkins
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Will be missed
Mary Flowers
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Will be missed
Joyce Dobbs
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I can say that I came to know Jim quite well during the 6 years that I worked as his administrative assistant in his Clinton law office. I came to admire the many good character traits that Jim had. He was compassionate towards his fellow man who was less fortunate than some. He sometimes gave big discounts to those that were in need of legal advice but could not afford it. He was also generous as an employer. I will miss knowing that Jim is no longer a phone call away when I get the urge that I want to pick his brain for his opinion or just say a simple hello. Jim was truly a servant to many..BUT more importantly, was a faithful servant to our Lord.
Hazel, Jo Beth & family, I know your hearts will continue to hurt for many days ahead in knowing Jim is no longer with us. Please know that you all will remain in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Barbara Chapman Horn
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Our sympathy to the family. Jim went out of his way to help my elderly parents over the years and his thoughtfulness will always be remembered.
Sherri (Ware) Sanders
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I have always had a fond spot in my heart for the Burnett family. Jo Beth and my mother, Barbara (Witte) Ware were classmates. Brother Tom later became our pastor at First Baptist Church.
My brother Shawn and I grew up in Clinton when downtown was "the happening place to be". We dearly loved going to Mr. and Mrs. Burnetts five and dime store. I always remember how sweet they were to us as small children.
Once I got into middle school, our group won a trip to Washington,DC for the National History Day competition. Our particular project was on the infamous Clinton Flood. When we arrived in our nation's capitol, Jim Burnett beamed with such pride and enthusiasm for his hometown teachers, students and parents. He gave us the VIP tour of all the famous places and landmarks. It was simply - one of the highlights of my life!! He also arranged for our group to lay the wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and I was chosen as one of the few who actually participated in the ceremony!
He was a celebrity to all of us wild eyed fifth and sixth graders. He has remained a celebrity in my eyes! I was never more proud when a "family friend" from Clinton, AR was named as NTSB chair.
I was never more proud to proclaim that "I know him" when we would see his countless interviews and appearances on the national news!
I admired Jim for his dedication to and for his support of his hometown. Once I got grown I began work as a County Agriculture Agent for the Cooperative Extension Service and was thrilled to see Jim at 4-H functions throughout the state. Jim was a true supporter of Arkansas 4-H and was dedicated to the program. About three years ago I was in his office and admired his Republican memorabilia from his service to our country. I also made note of his 4-H memorabilia. It made me proud that, I too, was a product of Clinton, Arkansas, simply because Jim Burnett was from there too.
I am so very sorrowful to the Burnett family for your loss. His zest for life was evident. His smiling face was pleasant and his adoration and pride for his family was contagious. Please know that he will be missed by many, including me. Our hometown, Our state and Our Nation has lost a truly great man!
Sherri (Ware) Sanders
Jon-Claude Whillock
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Burnett Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a special person to so many people. My family will miss him very much. R.I.P. Jim.
Stephanie Lawrence
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Mrs. Burnett, Jo Beth and family
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a sweet man. I still rememer how he would send Katie and Jo Beth flowers. He loved his family so much. He was such a happy person and always took time to chat with me at church. He was so well versed in the Bible and the law. It was a blessing to know him. I pray that God give you peace and comfort during this time. If I can do anything let me know.
Elizabeth Gooden Kay
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Mrs. Burnett, Jo Beth and family,
My thoughts and prays are with you all at this time of grief. Although I did not see Jimmie frequently, I considered him a life long friend and thoroughly enjoyed his company.
He was truly an outstanding member of the world community. His contributions will positively affect generations.
In closing, may the Lord bless and keep you, shine His face upon you and give you peace.
Liz
karla Smith Elliott
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
James, Jim or Jimmy Burnett (pronounced the Clinton way or the Cnn way; didn't seem to matter to him) was an honest and caring person. May you rest in pease Jimmy and may God bless your family and heal their hearts.
Russell Quattlebaum
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Some twenty-five years ago Mr. Burnett took me and a group of Clinton school children on a tour of Washington, D.C. As state winners in a National History Day competition, we went to our nation's capital and Mr. Burnett, while Chairman of the National Transportations Safety Board, took us to all the Washington sites. I will never forget his enthusiasm and love for this country - it was evident as he told us story after story at the U.S. Capitol. He was so engaging that individuals on the public tours began tagging along with us because Mr. Burnett knew so much about the building and its history. It was the first time I met him, but it is a memory I will carry with me because it epitmized Mr. Burnett - service to others, always with a smile, and pride in his hometown and country. He will be missed.
Ettamarie Belden
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Jim was always a true friend and supporter of 4-H and the Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association. He will be greatly missed.
Ettamarie Belden, President
Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association
Lacy Bradford
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
What a blessing it was for Jim Burnett to call Clinton his hometown. It has been an honor to work with him over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Lacy Bradford on behalf of everyone at the Blagg Law Firm
Shannon Deckard
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Never once did I see this man there was not a smile on his face and a greeting of hello. He was one of the kindest persons I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was brillant beyond his years and will be missed sorely.
Nara LInn
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Ms. Hazel and Jo Beth
Jim received many accolades in life. My memories of him are many. Wherever he saw me Jim always made it a point to greet me pleasantly. My fondest memories though are the Wednesday night Bible studies he taught. What a fount of knowledge he was. He was also very diplomatic and made everyone feel that they were worthy. I know that Jim will be missed by many and I am among that number.
JONATHAN BARNETT
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I NVEVER KNEW ANYBODY WHO KNEW REPUBLICAN POLITICS AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL BETTER THAN JIM. HIS PASSION WAS FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY TO BECOME THE MAJORITY PARTY IN ARKANSAS. NOBODY LOVED THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN ARKANSAS MORE THAN JIM. BECAUSE OF JIM'S EFFORTS WE WILL SEE THAT HAPPEN ONE DAY SOON! I REALLY ADMIRED HIS CHRISTIAN FAITH. HE PREPARED WELL FOR THE DAY HE WOULD MEET JESUS. HE WILL BE MISSED BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HIM AGAIN ONE DAY!
Jim Stanley, Esq.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Just before you drive onto Clinton's Square, a stone's throw from the Courthouse, there's a building on the left side of the street made of tiny rocks. Each is fist-size or smaller and would be cast-offs by most masons as worthless for important construction.
I often pull up in the alley next to that rock wall because I admire it for several reasons.
This is the wall of a craftsman - economical and artistic. It's toil that should be acknowledged. The handsome rockwork could represent a lifetime's caseload of clients. Some lawyers might think ordinary, hard-working people are not important - especially after you've been in the glow of the national spotlight! You might cast-off the little local lawsuits and only go for the big firms and high-dollar-clients. Yet here in this hamlet was an attorney who valued each person (big or small). He worked with and for his hometown neighbors and understood not everything of value has to be a keystone-boulder. He returned home from the national stage to be part of us again and we are humbled at this generous act.
The wall, made-of -rocks-too-small-to-save, is the side of Jim Burnett's old law office.
He was a man who never forgot where he came from; His neighbors and the nation admired and trusted him. His word was his bond - and bonded us to him. Weren't we proud to call this Arkansas attorney-at-law one of us!
My sympathies to the Burnett clan.
Rita & Sammy Collums
Monday, May 17, 2010
It has been such a pleasure to have known Jim over the years and we were always very proud of him. He will be missed. We always enjoyed just visiting and listening to his interesting stories.
Lee & Teresa Gates
Monday, May 17, 2010
Mrs. Burnett,
The loss of Jim is tragic for our nation and our community and that pales beside the tragedy of your own personal loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renaa Taber
Monday, May 17, 2010
To the Family of James Burnett, Jr. Born and raised in this county and grow up in the Clinton area to become one of the most famous people in this county, I can see where his roots are rooted in Clinton, became a national person from this county will make all the world look at this county and town. He will be missed by all the judges and lawyers here.
His fans too, Renaa Taber
Dr. Terri Anne Pistole Rockwell
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jim served as my family's attorney and confidante for many years and I'm saddened to hear of his departure. In particular, he was a friend and fellow Airport Commission Board Member with Danny and a legal advisor to me, and we appreciated him.
I will remember the times I spent as a little girl in his office with my Poppi, Aaron Virgil Pistole, while they talked and laughed. I remember his parents and shopped at their variety store in Clinton, and Mom, Loda, was friends with his mother, Hazel. The last time I saw Jim was when he attended my Mom's funeral in 2005, and I thanked him personally for the wonderful Virginia Ham he sent over to the family. He was thoughtful and kind and a loyal servant who went out of his way to help.
He served my family and our country well, under a very good President. God Bless all of his loved ones. We who have lived in Clinton and Van Buren County will miss him.
Sincerely,
Dr. Terri Anne Pistole Rockwell
WA
Jenny Shamburger
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jim was a friend to all and will be missed by all who knew him. It was a privilege and honor to have known him during the Frank White era as well as the years that followed as John and he practiced law in Van Buren County. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Sam Coulter
Monday, May 17, 2010
I have tremendous regret that I did not have a chance to see Jim before he passed away. However, I have nothing but the fondest memories of the very short amount of time I was blessed to have been in his company. My words would fail to add anything to what all who knew him personally already know about this fine man.
Sam Coulter
(2nd Cousin)
Robert M (Mike) Duncan
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jim Burnett was my friend and counselor. He was a wise and thughtful man who made everyone else better. I admired his intelect and ability to get to the heart of a problem. While I was RNC Chairman I counted on Jim to tell me the truth. He was honest yet kind in his counsel. Jim loved his family, country, state, and party. I will miss him.
Mrs. Nelda Kennedy
Monday, May 17, 2010
It is a great honor to have known Jim, and to have Jim and his dad visit Ed and me at our Heber Springs office. He was a great
friend and safety advisor to small carriers like ours.
Nelda Kennedy
Plant Truck Lines,Inc.
Mrs. Jimmie Lou Bradley
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jim Burnett was a dear friend to the Bradley family always. When I lived in Clinton he and his mother were my neighbors. No one could have had better neighbors than they were to me. He will be missed by so many people.
Love and prayers to the family.
Cathy Burgess
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jim was a dear friend to our family (Bradley) and helped our mother, Jimmie Lou on many occasions. He touched many lives with his caring spirit. He will not be forgotten.
Boyd, Latricia & Brandon Williams
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ms. Burnett and family-
You will always be so special to me and many others. We just pray that the lord will gather you and your family in his arms and guide and heal you in the days to come. There will always be a special place in my heart for you as you taught and was a guide to many of the students in Van Buren County as well as your own children and grandchildren. I think that you did an excellent job.With our thoughts and prayers will the memories of it all be the stepping stones to getting through the hardest of days and the weakest of moments.
Bruce Lantz
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jim and I became friends after he was appointed by Governor Huckabee to chair the AR. Wireless Information Network (AWIN). I really enjoyed his stories and his "Old Country Lawyer" approach to life. He will be missed.
Jim Reavis
Monday, May 17, 2010
Our Hearts and Prayers go out to his family. Jim was a fine man of principles We know that heaven just got a little more republican.
Nan Snider
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jim was a dear friend of Arkansas 4-H Alumni and was supportive in every way. It was a pleasure serving with him on the Arkansas 4-H Foundation board for 16 years. His laughter and wit will be sincerly missed.
Patrick M. Andrews
Monday, May 17, 2010
Mr. Burnett always made me proud to be from Arkansas when he conducted interviews on television. His conduct and integerity was evident in the manner in which he handled his position. He led a very active and productive life and though are paths only crossed through a mutual friend we will always have a great respect for who he was and what he did.
Leszlie Swartz-Hale
Monday, May 17, 2010
Love and prayers to the family
Trina Jones
Monday, May 17, 2010
I was so sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a soft spoken man, even though his voice carried so much strength when needed. God bless this gentle man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Just know he was greatly loved by all who knew him.
Rodney Owens
Monday, May 17, 2010
Our Prayers are for those left behind. For everyone who had the pleasure to know Mr. Burnett
this is a loss. He was a wonderful man to one and all no matter their station in life.. His work for 4H will be an example for the young for years to come. God blessed Mr. Burnett.
Benny and Martha Gooden
Sunday, May 16, 2010
It is our hope that Jim's family knows that they are being thought of and remembered in our prayers during this most difficult time. We are all saddened by Jim's death.
Freddy & Kay Williams
Sunday, May 16, 2010
We were saddened to hear of Jim's death. He was a good friend and had time to talk to everyone. He made the people of Clinton and Van Buren County proud . May God comfort the family during this time.
Danny & Donna Pistole
Sunday, May 16, 2010
We are so sorry for this family's loss, The world is a better place because Jim was here; he touched the lives of so many people. Jim was an amazing, yet humble man, who even though he attained National status, he never forgot where he came from. He was always promoting Clinton, Arkansas. We will always remember you.
Danny & Donna Pistole
Sharon Waites Wood
Sunday, May 16, 2010
I met Jim through 4H...we attended Nationl 4H Leadership Convention as seniors in high school...and I have watched as his career sent him to Washington DC as a public servant...I was always proud of to have known him..to his family, I express my sincere sympathy.
Candace Coulter Gaddis
Sunday, May 16, 2010
I will greatly miss all the storys of the family. He was a wealth of knowledge and I always loved to talk to him. I know Daddy and Uncle James are welcoming him with open arms.
Debbie Watson
Sunday, May 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love in Christ,
Debbie
Jeanetta Rains
Sunday, May 16, 2010
I was honored to have the opportunity to known Mr. Jim Burnett. I first came to know him personally when I interviewed him for a college political science class around1985 and he was serving on the NTSB. I later had the opportunity to visit him again on a trip to DC. Jim was generous with his knowledge and willingness to take time for a college kid interested in politics. He was also a very kind man. He was a wonderful member of the Clinton community and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his precious mother and other loved ones.
Janice Brown
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Thank you for your service to our state and our country. Rest in peace, Sir!
Karen Harlan
Sunday, May 16, 2010
I am so aorry to hear about such a great person whom was so gifted and worked hard to do his best ino what ever he had to do.My thoughts go out to all of you at this time.God bless.Karen Harlan..
Marilyn Sue Linn Whitley
Sunday, May 16, 2010
What an admirable, honorable individual! Jim achieved so much, that so many have benefited from, God Bless Him and His Family.
Brice Smith
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Mrs. Burnett and family I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr.Jim. He has been a friend to me all my life. Jim put Clinton Arkansas on the National map, which everyone is so proud of. Jim was always a leader in everything he done in life and a few places I've gone in life you say Clinton, Arkansas the next thing people say do you know Jim Burnett. That does make you fill good. My answer was always his mother was my teacher in school and Jim is a good friend. Our prayers are with the family.
Jesse Bradford
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Mrs. Burnett, Jo Beth and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Jim was a wonderful man, who did much in his lifetime. He will be remembered by many.
wilma bonds
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Bob and I were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful friend to all who knew him. We will always be grateful to him for the words he spoke at my mother's funeral service. He was always there for our family and we will always hold him dear to our hearts. He was a great man in many ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hazel and JoBeth and her family.