James L. Burnett III

James L. Burnett III passed away with his loving family by his side on May 8, 2021 in Midland, Texas at the age of 87.  He was born on February 19, 1934 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Etta Cordelia Gray and J.L. Burnett, Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Shiu Ing Burnett of Midland, Texas, his daughter, Dr. Jeannie Shiu Lei Burnett Gray and her husband, Dr. David L. Gray of Midland, Texas, his son, James Bryan Burnett and his wife Linda of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, his son, Jerry Allen Burnett and his wife Pamela of Fort Smith, Arkansas, seven grandchildren, Hannah Jamison Gray, Zachary David Gray, Rachel Ann Burnett, Joshua Burnett, Rebecca Orellana, Jacob Burnett, and Jeremy Burnett, and six great grandchildren, Christopher Orellana, Andrew Orellana, Katelyn Orellana, Mia Orellana, Seth Burnett, and Jace Burnett.

He was preceded in death by his father James L. Burnett, Jr., his mother, Cordelia Gray Matthews, and his brother Gary Gray Burnett.

Jim or Jimmie, as he was known by his friends and family, graduated from Waldron High School, Waldron, Arkansas, in 1952 and from East Texas State Teacher’s College in 1956.  He served 21 years in the United States Air Force as a jet fighter pilot, retiring in 1977 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Jim flew 131 combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross among other awards.  He was a member of the River Rats Fighter Pilot Association.  He married Shiu Ing Tsai in 1975 in Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China.  After his retirement from the Air Force, Jim returned to East Texas State University where he completed his Master’s Degree in 1980.  He worked for over 20 years as an Independent Petroleum Landman in Midland, Texas.

Jim was a wonderful story teller and relished in telling stories about his days in high school in Arkansas and the tales of his experiences as a fighter pilot.  He loved his cars, airplanes, and computers with a passion.  Jim also enjoyed cheering on his favorite football teams, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Aggies.  Above all, he loved being with his wife, children, and grandchildren whom he loved so very much.  Jim was a devoted husband, father and “Papa” who had a knack for making everyone always feel welcome and had a kind and giving heart.  Jim had a truly beautiful soul and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 pm on Friday, May 14, 2021 at First Baptist Church Chapel in Midland, Texas.  The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the charity of their choice or to the Midland Humane Coalition, PO Box 53213, Midland, Texas, 79710.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.