James Robert Burley

James “Jim” Robert Burley, 87, of Alexander City, AL passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 12, 2019 surrounded by his wife and family. He is preceded in death by his parents Forest and Helene Burley, his son Robert Michael Burley, and his oldest brother Reverend William Burley. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rachel L. Burley, two younger brothers, Dr. John Burley (Donna) of Trenton, OH, Dr. Dave Burley (Diane) of Anderson, SC, two sons, James “Jim” R. Burley II (Casey) of Seaford, VA, Richard “Rick” J. Burley (Melody) of Montgomery, AL, a daughter Mary “Christy” C. Pascarella (Gene) of Orlando, FL, and 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was born on Feb 24, 1931 in Crooksville, OH, Jim grew up during The Great Depression and served his country during the Korean War as an Air Force radar technician. He met and married his wife Rachel while stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS in the early 1950’s. After earning a BS at Ohio State and a MS from Miami University in Industrial Management, Jim started his career with ARMCO Steel. Fifteen years, four kids, and several moves later, Jim & Rachel settled in Montgomery, AL where Jim managed the ARMCO/ConTech truss pipe manufacturing facilities for the next 25 years. In 1992, Jim and his son Rick formed the ASK Telemarketing Co and over the next 25 years, built it into a successful business that now employs over 450 people in Montgomery. Jim & Rachel semi-retired in the late 1990’s and built their dream home on Lake Martin in Alexander City, AL. Jim was an avid golfer (two Aces) and loved boating and being around the water. He was always active in the community whether it was the Boy Scouts (Silver Beaver Award), United Way, Chamber of Commerce, or the Whitfield United Methodist Church. Jim is remembered as always treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of the circumstances.

The family will honor his memory with a “celebration of life” service at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, located at 10505 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 1:00 pm with a visitation from noon until 1pm followed by a graveside service and burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to The Children’s Harbor, Alexander City, Alabama or the Whitfield United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Al.