Horace J Burnette

Jim’s Life Story Obituary Dr. Horace Jimmie Burnette (1934–2025) Horace “Jim” Burnette, 90, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, died peacefully on March 24, 2025. He lived a full and blessed life. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Horace and Edna Burnette, his sister Patsy Trainham, and his first wife Virginia “Ginger” Burnette, with whom he enjoyed family gatherings, playing guitar, boating and camping throughout the United States. He will meet them again in Heaven. He is survived by his wife Carolyn “Carol” Burnette, his daughters Debra Buxeda, Tina DaSilva, and Jennifer Gilbert, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren who know Jim will be waiting for them in eternity. Jim was born in Jasper, Florida on December 7, 1934 to Horace and Edna Burnette, who raised him in a loving Christian home. He graduated from Gainesville High School, Gainesville, Florida in 1952 before studying English and Religion at Atlantic Christian College, Wilson, North Carolina. He continued his studies at Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma and the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida earning a Master of Education degree in 1958 and a Doctor of Education degree in 1966. Jim met his loving wife, Carol at Edison Community College, Fort Myers, Florida in 1987. The two were married in 1988 in Fort Myers, Florida. Together, they enjoyed the North Carolina mountains and traveling. Most memorable were their trips to California, Hawaii, and Germany, and their Alaskan Cruise. They also enjoyed an occasional glass of fine wine and attending Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Basketball games; go Eagles! Jim was active in his community having served as Elder and Sunday School Teacher at Fort Myers Christian Church. He also served as a past member of Lee County Boys Club Board of Directors. Carol and Jim’s legacy includes the establishment, in honor of Virginia Burnette, a scholarship endowment for nursing students at Florida Gulf Coast University. Jim was an effective communicator and used his skills as interim pastor/preacher for several churches and as a radio announcer from 1956 to 1958. He served our nation as a Special Agent in the United States Army Intelligence Corps from 1958 until 1961. After his discharge from the Army, he began his career in higher education as Professor of English and Speech at Manatee Junior College, Bradenton, Florida. He served in many leadership and administration roles throughout his career, including President of Florida Association of Community Colleges, Chairman of Steering Committee, Council of Academic Affairs, Florida Community College System, and Consultant in Curriculum and Administration, American Association of Community and Junior Colleges. He retired in 1991 as Executive Vice President of Edison Community College, Fort Myers, Florida having held leadership positions as professor, director and dean during his 30-year career at the college. Everyone who knew Jim, also knew how much he enjoyed woodworking. He took great pleasure in crafting custom furniture for his loved ones and took great pride in presenting them with signed pieces. His favorite outdoor activities were golf and fishing. He enjoyed making his own custom golf clubs and could reliably land any saltwater or freshwater fish Florida offered. He was also an avid pilot and often flew airplanes on business trips around the state. He loved to share his enthusiasm for aviation with friends. One friend in particular never forgot his first flight in a small airplane; with Jim at the controls, they lost engine power shortly after takeoff, and Jim was forced to execute an engine out landing in a farmer’s field! Jim will always be remembered for his warm smile and laughter and his commitment to his beliefs. He was a Christian, loving husband, father, and grandfather. We will miss Jim every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him, especially his wife Carol, his daughters Debbie, Tina, and Jeniffer, his grandchildren Ginger, Nate, Jacob, Shelby, and Courtney, and his six great grandchildren. Jim’s family will have a private memorial and celebration of his life. Donations to American Cancer Society and American Heart Association can be made in lieu of flowers.

Horace J Burnette

December 7, 1934 - March 24, 2025