Rene' Steffens-Chisum

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Oh Shirley! I grieve and rejoice with you. What a Christ-print you two left on me during your stay at First Baptist Brookshire! I pray that the Lord would continue to hold you in His hand and comfort you as only He can. Until we meet again... Rene' Steffens-Chisum

Glen & Trudy Ennes

Monday, February 11, 2008

We count it a joy to have called James "friend."

Dorothy and Chris

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Loving you and praying for you ..... all the way from Skagway, Alaska.... Lots of love and hugs...and fond memories of piles of dirt, concret, constuction and singing at the ho downs..... Continuing in His Service, Chris and Dorothy

Butch & Carmen Phelps

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Carmen and I so enjoyed the opportunity we had to visit you both, before Bro. Jim's passing. Then, as now, many memories came to our minds. You, Jim and the children were special to us in many ways. Be assured that you will remain in our prayers. May the Lord be a greater strength and comfort in these days that He leads you ever more in His graces.

David V. Thomas

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Dear Shirley & Family, May God's comfort and strength be with you all as He draws you closer to His heart during this most difficult hour. Shirley, I will always be grateful to the Lord for using you and Jim to teach me and countless others how to share Jesus without fear. And I'll always cherish the memory of our bluebonnet tour together several years ago. Much love and Romans 8:18 Pastor David V. Thomas Sealy, Texas

Esther Merritt

Saturday, February 9, 2008

God's heart for you is full of hope, love, and peace. . . and so are my prayers. . . . ”I am the resurrection and the life. . .” John 11:25 With deepest sympathy, Esther

Sue Perry

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I just read the loving messages from people around the country and would like to say that reading about his passing took me back to teen age years when I sang in a quartet with James, Billy Edmonson and H.O. Fudge. Elmer Childress played the piano. Leslie Floyd, a wonderful man who loved music and encouraged so many young people would gather us up and head out to various churches where Sunday afternoon "singings" were held. I don't know how we really sounded, but we thought we were pretty good! Beind the only girl I probably had more fun than the rest. I was known as Comma Sue McDaniel at the time. James had a god given talent and I am happy that he used it throughout his life to glorify the Lord. May the happiest memories of him fill your hearts while you try to cope without him.

Ann Culley Foley

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Dear "Miss Shirley", Jim, Marcy and Christy....I was so sorry to hear about "Daddy Jim", but indeed know that, like the last song he sang for us at FBC-Daytona, God has "filled his cup and made him whole". Your time with us here was short but impacted so many of us Youth. I have very fond memories to carry in my heart. I'm glad I was able to exchange a couple e-mails with him a while back and let him know I loved him, and all of you. My prayer is for you to have God's peace, comfort and strength. Looking forward to the day of that great "family reunion".... Much love to you all.....Ann

Charles and Sue Moore

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Shirley, we want to extend our deepest sympathy to you. We were shocked to hear of Jim's passing. What a thrill to know we got to experience his talent again this past summer. He brought so much to that time with us here in Marianna. He was so deeply loved here. We know he is singing with the heavenly choir now. God bless as you deal with his loss and try to live your life without him.

Peggy Pearson

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Shirley, Jim, Marcy, and Christy, The service was so beautiful and fitting for a home-going Minister of Music - especially for his children to sing and all of you to sing/participate in the choir special! James will be missed by everyone in Arkansas music ministry because he never stopped serving.

Andrea Hooten

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

I was so shocked and saddened to find James' obituary in the paper the other day. My brief time with James came when my husband and I knew we needed to be part of a ministry that witnessed to people. Our friends told us that Indian Springs had a training program called CWT, so we came one night. My husband got on another team, but I was fortunate to be on James'. He was such a wonderful person who led by example. He never seemed to shy away from any situation when it came to sharing the love of Christ. He was an unforgettable mentor to me, and I will always use him as my benchmark for enthusiastically sharing my faith with others. I'm very blessed to have known James and Shirley both. Andrea Hooten, Antioch Baptist Church

Susan Bryant

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Shirley, Marcy, Christy and James, I thought the service yesterday was marvelous. It was truly a celebration of Bro James' life. I consider it a real honour to have been a part of his service. We had some great times at GSFBC. I remember coming to your home on occasion when you lived in Yorkwood. I could always find it because it was down from the swimming pool. I was excited to hear about the mission you had in later years. I know God will be glorified. I truly wish we could have seen the video tribute to his life. Gods Blessings on all of you, Susan Bricker Bryant

Richard (Rick) Hill

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

From one whose life was forever changed by knowing 'Daddy Jim', please convey my condolence to Shirley and the whole Burleson family. We love you and will be praying for God’s comfort.

Pam Hogan-Yates

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Mrs. Shirley, deepest sympathy to you and your family with much love sent to you during this time of sorrow. I also have such fond memories of Brother James and yourself always coming by to make sure my brother and I had a ride each and every Wednesday evening for church @ GSFBCwhen we were such young kids. Thank you for always being such positive role models in our lives especially at such a tender age. Brother James will surely be missed here on Earth but like you have already heard I am sure he is leading the Music Fellowship already in Heaven. What a blessing he will be there as well. Lots of love to your family.

Pat & Lynn Edmonson

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Dear, dear Shirley & family. Our hearts are so sad because we will miss James so much but we do rejoice with you that he is with the Lord. The day that you all stopped in Jackson and had lunch with us will always remain with us. What a wonderful time we had! We so badly wanted to come from the funeral service because I know it was a time of celebration of the wonderful, great life. Sorry we couldn't make it. Please know how much we love you and that you and your precious family are in our prayers. Pat & Lynn

Cindy Thompson

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Dear Shirley and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you thru this difficult time. Jim was such a special, special person who truly represented what God would have each of us to be. I will never forget our trip to Sydney and how he was so supportive and helpful to me and eveyone in the choir. He always had a sweet smile and funny disposition. He will be missed by all!

Maurice and Joy Bennett

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Our hearts are with you Shirley - it has been a long battle and you have been a stalwart companion. Maurice and Joy

Sam Talkington

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley, I am so sorry for you and family.We will all miss him. You are in my thought and prayers.

Sam Talkington

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley, I am so sorry for you and family.We will all miss him. You are in my thought and prayers.

Judy Wright Yound

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley & family, I am so sorry to hear about James' death. But one thing for sure, I'm bet he's in heaven right now singing his heart out for the Lord God Almighty. My mother , Allene Gould Wright graduated with James and always had such wonderful things to say about you two. She was very saddened to hear about his passing. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this time and God will wrap his loving arms around you to comfort you. May God Bless you, Judy Wright Young

Lyn Rowton-Morris

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Christy, I'm so sorry for your loss. You probably don't remember me but we were so close when we were little and you guys lived in Marianna. I think of you often and wonder how life has treated you and your family. God bless you all and if you feel like contacting me, please do so. I would love to hear from you.

Jerry, Julie, Shannon (Metheny) Wilson and Shane Metheny

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley, Jim, Marcy, Christi and family, We were all so sad to hear about Brother James' passing. We will never forget the wonderful times we had together at church (GSFBC), at Yorkwood as neighbors and just visiting whenever we were together. We will never forget joining GSFBC on the very same day and thinking how neat that was. We are so sorry that we cannot be there with you and your family but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! Brother James and your whole family will always have a special place in our hearts. We will continue to pray for you and your family and if there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to let us know. We love you guys and we know that we will see each other and Brother James someday soon!!! I love that promise, don't you?

Steve Sudbery

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Bro. James. You and your family will be in my prayers. We will all miss him, but we will see him again in Heaven.

Harvey And Polly Goodwin

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you today.... With Love Polly & Harvey

Steve Sudbery

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley and family, I am so sorry to hear about Bro. James. My heart goes out to you and your family. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Nita Sudbery

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley and family, I am so sorry to hear about James eventhough I know he is in a better place. We will miss him very much.

Don Moore

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

We know the battle has been long and fierce. Praise God for the assurance that nothing in life and nothing in death can separate us from the love of Christ. We love you and have appreciated your friendship over the years. As the song says, "He will make a when it seems there is no way." Don and Nita Moore

Shelia Moore

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shirley and family, My heart was saddened by the news of "Bro. James" death. I had just seen him this past summer and I am so grateful for the time that I had to talk to him. Shirley, the two of you were very special to me while at Geyer Springs. You both made me feel such a part of the music ministry. I am thankful I was able to serve with both of you. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I wish I could be there today but my teaching responsibilites will not permit me to do so. May the Lord give you comfort as only He can. I love you - Shelia Moore

Dianne White

Monday, January 7, 2008

Dear Mrs. Burleson, Jim, Marcy, Christy and all of your spouses and children that I have not yet met, I am so sorry and wish that I could see you right now and spend some time with you. I'm sure there are hundreds of people who love you and are loving on you. I just wish I could be one of them. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Burleson, I will always remember our last time together at the restaurant with you and Bro. Jim and how much it meant to me. Love you guys...Dianne Free White

Debbie Washburn Cockerham

Monday, January 7, 2008

Please know that you are all in my thoughts at this time. What I will always remember most about Brother James is that warm, sincere, contagious smile and laugh he always shared with others! Something you could always count on every time you saw him! I will keep you all in my prayers.

larry wood

Monday, January 7, 2008

Shirley and Kids : you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We were blessed to serve with you all 2 times once at GSFBC and ISBC. IS. 41:10 has brought us great comfort at times like this. Shirley if you need anything please call Betty and Larry Wood

Frank & Lyda Washburn

Monday, January 7, 2008

Shirley, Jim, Marcy, & Christy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our friendship goes back to days at Ouachita, McClellan High School, Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, Marianna First Baptist Church, and beyond. The heavenly choir now has added a special voice. Love, Lyda & Frank

Alva Jean Zeigler

Monday, January 7, 2008

Words cannot express how my heart feels at this time. Too many memories over many years.Shirley you and Jim (as we knew you) were always some of our favorite people. We were always so delighted to have the opportunity to visit with you whereever and whenever circumstances presented its self. I love you, Shirley, and send my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Alva Jean Zeigler

Stephen Cross

Monday, January 7, 2008

Bro. James had a huge impact on my life.

Charlie Waller

Monday, January 7, 2008

Shirley, Sorry about the loss of James. He was one of the greatest singers I have ever known. A donation has been made in his honor to the Southern Gospel Music Association by Mona and Leah Caridine. I extend my deepest sympathy to you. Charlie Waller Executive Director Southern Gospel Music Association

Walt & Jo Pankratz

Monday, January 7, 2008

Shirley, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust to the loss of our very dear James. We regret not being at his memorial service, but will be with you in spirit as you celebrate the life of this wonderful and dear person. We shall always remember your loving ministry to First Baptist of San Diego, and we speak for all of your dear friends here as we say thank you and God bless you in the coming days as you cope with this loss. With our love, Walt & Jo

The Cope Family

Monday, January 7, 2008

Burleson Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. "Brother James" will always be so special to us. We have such fond memories of him and the rest of your wonderful family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Much love!

La Juana Terrell Warner

Monday, January 7, 2008

Shirley, Jim, Marcy, and Christy, However saddened I was to learn of Bro. James' death, I can see his smiling face in the heavenly choir at this moment! All of the Burleson family is very special to me and I wanted you to know that I am praying for you all at this time. He was always kind and encouraging to me and I still remember coming to Geyer Springs and singing in church there a long time ago. Jim, I love you and would love to hear from you. warnerl@mail.jps.k12.ar.us. Much love to all of you now. La Juana Terrell Warner

Marilyn Zeigler O'Brien

Monday, January 7, 2008

Dearest Shirley and family, I pray you will sense an unusual awareness of the love of the Lord and the comfort of the Spirit during these days. Joe Ann Shelton is in our home for a few weeks of furlough, and extends to you her love, prayers, and sympathy.

Gearl & Cindy Spicer

Monday, January 7, 2008

Dear Shirley & Family: Our hearts are with all of you as you experience this huge loss and adjust to James' absence. His life made an impact on others, including ours. God used his warm personality, eyes, smile and humor to draw people in. We both have MANY fond memories of working with James at Geyer Springs. I have been rememebering many of them all weekend, since I got news of James' death. I am thankful for Shirley and the "completer" that she was for James. Her love, friendship and example have meant the world to me over the years as I have watched her raise her family, be a loyal and faithful wife, be a joyful and willing servant of the Lord, and be such a tireless caretaker of ill family members. How I praise God for you, Shirley!!! May God's grace be a comfort to you all in these days ahead. How I would love to be there to celebrate James' life and ministry with you! My heart is with the whole family and my prayers will be with you tomorrow. Thank goodness that we only have to say goodbye FOR NOW!!! Someday soon, the Lord will return and we'll all be together with him forever and ever. How I long for that day to come soon and very soon! Until then, remember our love and keep pressing on! Love, Gearl & Cindy Spicer

Vernon & Ann (Anna Mae Bryant) Willis

Monday, January 7, 2008

So sorry to hear about James Wiley and best reguards to all children & grandchildren.

The Seals Family

Monday, January 7, 2008

Jim and Family, Words often cannot describe what the heart is experiencing. We know from our very recent loses some of your heart's condition. We send our most humble and respectful condolences to your family and loved ones at this time. From our relationship with you, we know that your confidence is in Christ and because of this you WILL see your Dad again. This doesn't make you immune to the pain, and because of that reason, our prayer for you is comfort. we know it is not the for destination of your Dad that you greive, but rather the separation from him. We send our warmest thoughts and prayers for you guys during this time. Your Friends, Donny,Laurie,Kayla and Bryce Seals

Seleta Weatherly Yearian

Monday, January 7, 2008

Jim and family, Deepest sympathy to you all. Seleta

Gary Folds

Monday, January 7, 2008

Praying for you and standing in the GAP the best we can at this time. Feel free to call on us if we can be of service in any way.

Linda Stalnaker DeArmond Young

Monday, January 7, 2008

Dear Burlesons, Though I am not there in person, my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers are with you. I wish I had the words to express the precious memories and thankfulness I have for Brother James and for each and every one of you. All of you have held a special place in my life and in that of the Stalnaker clan. Love you, Linda

Linda Halbrook

Monday, January 7, 2008

Dear Shirley and family, There are sooo many wonderful memories that we share. Guess the first would be the introduction to gospel music to my family - something that remains. I think of all the fun James and I shared while serving on staff of GSFBC. Those years were a blessing. I think of being neighbors in Yorkwood and how James would grab the front porch plants when Dick would jog by. I think of the concert at the Robinson. I think of the furniture Mr. Hap made for my office as GSFBC. I think of a crazy skit for a Valentine Banquet. I think of all the children's choir things of which both of you were so involved. Today I am reflecting upon the smile of a wonderful friend, his family, and those whose life he touched. I am thankful to have been his friend.

Bill Sudbery

Sunday, January 6, 2008

I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Bro. Jim. He has been a special part of my life and that of my family all the way back to my teen years. The last time that I had the chance to visit with Bro. Jim was when he sang at my own Dad's funeral. The two were such good friends, neighbors and Brothers in Christ. I'm sure Dad was one of the first to welcome him to Heaven. Burlesons, I love you all and I'm sorry that I can't be there with you at this time, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sharon "Nazarenus" Sands

Sunday, January 6, 2008

I am so sad to hear of Bro. James passing! He was always such a joy to be around, and during my internship at Geyer Springs FBC over 20 yrs ago, he was always such an encourager! My prayers will be with your precious family! Sharon "Nazarenus" Sands

Marla Tull Rogers/Rev. David Rogers

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Burleson Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. "Brother James" will always be so special to me. I have such fond memories of him and the rest of your wonderful family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Much love!

Jim Hopper

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Way to early for this. I'm so sorry.

Eric Kizer

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Dear Burlesons, I am so sorry for your loss. I personally feel a deep loss as well. Bro. Jim and Shirley have no idea what an impact and blessing they were on my life growing up in Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. I remember Bro. Jim being such a positive influence on my life as a young man. I remember him leading us in choir and then having to drive the van or church bus with a bunch of crazy young people to church camp or I specifically remember a trip to Six Flags over Texas. I remember the big Christmas musical we did at the Robinson Auditorium with the Imperials. Bro. Jim always thought "big". The average was was not good enough. He was such a positive influence at Geyer Springs, and the church showed such growth while he was there. The entire Burleson family was a blessing to me, my life, and I know my entire family. My prayers and thoughts of with you all during this difficult time.

Betty Ann Weatherly

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Jim, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's death. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. You are well remembered here for the time you were in our church. You were a very talented musician. If you are ever in our area, please come by

Lynda Laman Colvert

Sunday, January 6, 2008

I will always remember seeing James with his big smile walking across campus during the Ouachita years. His smile and inviting energy made us all want to be a part of the Ouachita spirit that he personified. I was priviledged to be a part of the music committee that visited your family and persuaded you to come to Geyer Springs as our new music director and family. It has been a great honor to be a part of James' choirs and to be able to call him a friend. He always had a happy and welcoming spirit that reflected his love for people and love for his Lord. I am thankful that I knew him.

Larry E. and Martha Cross

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. With sympathy, Larry and Martha

Karen J. Ragan Davis

Sunday, January 6, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time! Many years ago in DeWitt, Arkansas, James was the music minister at the First Baptist Church where he taught the young peoples choir of which I was a member. I have never forgotten him and how he was so good with the young people and he had a wonderful, beautiful voice and I can just hear him singing now. Needless to say, he made a great impression on our group and he will be sadly missed. Karen Ragan Davis

Robert & Deborah Lindley

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Shirley and family, As we begin working on "The Kingdom'08" , our Easter musical at Geyer Springs, we are reminded that the FIRST one ever done at GSFBC was under James' leadership and vision. We had the priviledge of working with him on that FIRST one....WHAT a joy it was!!!! Shirley, you and James were there with all the love and support that we truly needed when our Melissa Anne was born 3 1/2 months early. I remember James saying, after she came home and was doing sooooo good, that Melissa was about the size of "his dad's chihuahua puppy dog BUT much prettier"! He always cracked us up when he would say that! It was an honor and real blessing to work with you BOTH all those years at GSFBC. Robert and I are still involved with the Easter productions and count it as our ministry....we learned from the BEST....you and James! We love your entire family....and Shirley, if there is ANYTHING that Robert and I can do....please let us know! Take care and have already started praying for you and the kids......love you, Robert and Deborah Lindley