James Leonard Burley, Jr.

James Leonard Burley, Jr. , man of God, took his heavenly rest peacefully on January 04, 2025, at the age of 74.

Lovingly known as Jimmy or Tank, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 10, 1950, to loving parents, Mary F. Green Burley and the late James (Leonard) Burley, Sr.  Jimmy attended public schools in Anne Arundel County, to include Pumphrey and North Glen Elementary, Brooklyn Park Jr. High, and graduated from Andover High School in 1968.  He also attended Morgan State College.

Jimmy grew up in the historic Cedar-Morris Hill community of Anne Arundel County.  He received his early Christian training at John Wesley Methodist Church in Glen Burnie, where he was a member of the Sunday School, Youth Choir, Methodist Youth Fellowship and the Boy Scouts.

Jimmy was blessed with the ability to speak easily and confidently (the gift of gab).  This gift helped him in his long and varied employment history.  He held sales and security positions over the years to include: Sears, Levitz and Murphy's Mart.  He even had the opportunity to work on the security detail for a Sugar Ray Leonard boxing match.  Another of Jimmy's skills was construction and he worked with Dennis and Bobby Gaither's construction company for several years.  Jimmy worked as a District Court Commissioner for Anne Arundel County for over 28 years until his disability retirement.

Some of Jimmy's happiest times were spent riding motorcycles, driving and working with cars.  He worked at Lowry's service station in Annapolis and developed a deep and lasting friendship with the late owner and his family.  He was a big Washington Commanders fan and truly enjoyed nature in its fullest.

There was always joy in Jimmy's voice when he talked about his daughter, Ashley, and his grandson, Shanon.  They were his pride and joy. Jimmy shared so many stories about the adventures of Shanon and how he loved to talk.

Jimmy had a reverence for the Lord and continued to grow his faith with the Apostolic House if Prayer in Millersville, MD.  Many of his friends  and family were fortunate to receive inspirational and uplifting spiritual text messages each day from him.  Jimmy's health failed for many years, but throughout his physical pain and struggles, he never lost his faith in the Lord.

Left to cherish his memory, in addition to his mother Mary are: his daughter, Ashley J. Pratt, grandson Shanon Tyler, Jr.; Siblings Mabel G. Burley and Charles C. Burley; niece Jacqueline, and nephews Charles II and Julian (Elvia); and great nieces and nephews, Jayden, Olivia and Eliana.

Family and friends may visit at the KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME on Saturday, January 11th, 12:00pm - 4:00pm.