James Alston Burroughs went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 11, 2005, while staying at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Washington.

He was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on June 9, 1919, the third of four children. As president of his senior class he graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in Northpost, AL in 1939. In 1941 he joined the US Army Air Corps and participated in many bombing missions in the European theater during World War II. On his first furlough from the war he accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized.

After his honorable discharge in 1945 he visited his sister and family in Richland, WA. During his visit he applied for and received work with Dupont at Hanford. In Richland he enjoyed bowling, baseball, tennis and learning to fly. Twice he flew his Cessna 140 to Alabama. The great northwest, with hunting and fishing, kept him enjoying God’s country for sixty years.

In 1968 he married Donna Foust and never stopped loving her. He was proud of daughters Joy and Jill and pleased to become a grandfather and great-grandfather to their children.

Jimmy and Donna retired in 1986 to enjoy their log cabin at Deep Lake. They filled many hours spending time with their church family in Northpost, WA. After a fulfilling 19 years at the lake they retuned to live full-time in Richland for the final season of Jim’s life on earth. Their daily brunch date was enhanced by the Sterling family and friends. Frequent calls and visits by his very special nephew, Coleman Smith, blessed his heart. Caring neighbors and wonderful friends brought him encouragement. His adoptive family, the Simpkins, enriched his life. His church family and pastors upheld him in prayer and nurtured his faith. Jim and Carole Plunkitt were loyal friends to Jimmy. He thanks all who touched his life, “God bless you all.”

He is survived by his loving wife Donna; two daughters, Joy Peter Schulz and Jill Chuck Penney; grandchildren Jock and Sky Schulz, Brandon Penney and Jordan Burke; great-granddaughter Isabel Burke; sister Catherine Robertson; two nieces and two nephews, including Coleman Smith who was like a son to him; stepson Sully Bayless and family.

He also leaves his precious adopted families: Bret and Shaula Simpkins and family; Steve and Virginia Panther and family; the Sterling Restaurant Family and Staff; the First Baptist Church Family and the list goes on…

Memorial Services for James “Jimmy” Burroughs will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, April 16 at First Baptist Church, 1107 Wright Ave., Richland, Washington.

Memorial gifts may be given to Liberty Christian School, 2200 Williams Blvd, Richland, or to the charity of your choice.