James H. "Jim" Burnett

James H. “Jim” Burnett, 93, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at his home. Jim was born September 13, 1920, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Oliver H. and Opal (Harris) Burnett. He was a 1939 graduate of Lexington High School and attended Kearney State College, participating in the concert band as first chair French horn. While in high school, Jim worked at Barmore Drug behind the soda fountain. On July 14, 1942, he joined the United States Army and after extensive training in Texas, Mississippi, California and Pennsylvania he joined the Allied campaign in France with the 95th Infantry Division serving under General Patton. He participated in the liberation of Metz (France), the relief of trapped Allied Forces in the Battle of the Bulge and the occupation of Germany. He was honorably discharged on November 19, 1945 after receiving three Bronze Service Stars and the Bronze Star Medal. On September 19, 1942, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Carroll while being stationed in Austin, Texas during his time in the Army. Marjorie returned to Lexington when Jim sailed to Europe and Jim returned to Lexington in 1945. Upon his return to Lexington he worked at Farmer’s State Bank and then would finish his career with 30+ years as General Manager and Vice President of Platte Valley Products. The couple enjoyed traveling and attended many conventions for Jim’s work. They visited most of the state capitals as well as many of the Presidential libraries. They had a wonderful circle of friends and enjoyed get-togethers for coffee and Canasta. Many summer days were spent at their Johnson Lake cabin with good memories of being with family and friends. Jim was always very active in his community and played a large part in the formation of the Lexington Jaycees, he was also a member of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Rotary Club and Nebraska Dehydrator’s Association as well as chairman of the American Dehydrator’s Association; also, a member of the Masonic Lodge and Tehama Shrine, the VFW and American Legion. Jim was also an active 75+ year member of the First United Methodist Church. Jim coached little league baseball when his sons were young as well as being a Boy Scout leader. One of his greatest enjoyments was having coffee with his business associates and friends. Jim is survived by his three sons; Dennis (Irene) Burnett of Springfield, Virginia; Terry Burnett of Lexington, Nebraska; David (Sue) Burnett of Danvers, Massachusetts; his daughter, Vicki (Loren) Danhauer of Lincoln, Nebraska; his sister Marilyn Wiessner of Green Valley, Arizona; his nine grandchildren, Carolyn (Todd) Hudson of Cairns, Australia; Christopher (Kristin) Burnett of Durango, Colorado; Carrie Kielty of Lincoln, Nebraska; Erika (Jim) Pearl of Lincoln, Nebraska; Thad Danhauer of Arlington, Texas; Andrea (Rao) Gutta of Omaha, Nebraska; Beth (Shawn) Nault of Somersworth, New Hampshire; Kate Burnett of Danvers, Massachusetts; and, Adam (LeAnne) Burnett of Ipswich, Massachusetts; his thirteen great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harry (Carolyn) Dorwart of Reedsport, Oregon; and his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie on February 25, 2013; his infant daughter, Sandra; his sister, Harriett Onstott; his brother-in-law, Dick Wiessner; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Delbert (Doris) Carroll; Geraldine (Virgil) Berryman; and, Jean (Alice) Carroll. Funeral Services will be Saturday, December 21, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Rev. Dr. Dyton Owen officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Friday, December 20, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.