Rev. James "Jim" Duke Burdette

REV. JAMES DUKE BURDETTE, SR. (Jim), 85, of Little Hocking, OH, was welcomed into his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, after an extended illness. He was born on January 18, 1939, in Beckley, WV, to Alma Ruth McKinney Burdette Woods and Orral Lorain Burdette, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Casey Dan Burdette, son-in-law, Rick Jordan, stepfather James Woods, and stepmother Helen Burdette. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, Jim worked many jobs including Columbia Gas Transmission in Charleston, WV, until he answered his calling into ministry and earned his Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. He then served as pastor of six United Methodist churches in Craigsville, WV, Elkins, WV, Philippi, WV, and Parkersburg, WV. In his retirement, he worked as an associate chaplain at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital. Jim served on the Board of Directors of both Women’s Care Center and Crossroads United Methodist Church Camp in Parkersburg, WV. He was devoted to several ministries including Literacy Volunteers, Gideons International, and Kairos Prison Ministry. His life was dedicated to serving the Lord, and we believe he has heard the words "Well done, good and faithful servant." Jim lived the love of Jesus Christ, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him received that love and peace. Jim had a great sense of humor, loved teasing, playing games, and spending time with family. Family gatherings always included good food, fun and games, a bit of good-hearted competitiveness, and much laughter – but most of all LOVE. The birds and wildlife were his friends, and he and his wife, Glenna, kept them well fed with handmade feeding areas they worked together to create. They had many pets throughout the years, and he leaves behind his special "Buddy," the neighbor's white cat, to whom he became quite attached. They also enjoyed their annual trips to Greenbo Lake State Park which held many special and treasured memories. They faithfully attended two churches, Decatur United Methodist Church and Torch Baptist Church, in their retirement. Gardening was also one of Jim’s passions, and he handed down his gifts and techniques to most of his children. He kept his family fed and shared with anyone and everyone. Giving was his great source of joy. Left to carry on his legacy of living the love of Christ are his wife of 40 years, Glenna, brother Dr. Clifton Burdette (Sheila and family), children James Burdette Jr. (Terah), Jeff Burdette (Patty), Richard Burdette (Terrie), Steve Burdette (Martha), Patty Stainback (Gary), Susan McPhail (George), Beth Jordan, John Burdette (Krista), Jessica Claypole (J.C. Rodriguez), Joshua Burdette (Brittiany), and Greg Turley, 15 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren with another expected soon.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2406 10th Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. conducted by Rev. Charles Furbee, Rev. Paul McGuire, and Pastor Brian Ziegler. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Valley View Memorial Park in Hurricane, WV, conducted by Rev. Dr. Ellis Conley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a ministry or charity of your choosing or to any of Jim's favorite ministries: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Compassion International, Jerusalem Prayer Team, Pregnancy Resource Center (Athens, OH), or Women’s Care Center (Parkersburg, WV). John 11:25-26: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"