Master Sergeant James Burnell III, USAF Retired, age 69, began his heavenly living December 13, 2024, at Rex Cardiac Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina peacefully in his sleep.  He was born on May 13, 1955, in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late James Burnell Jr. and Sarah Bass.

He married his wife, Joyce Thorpe of Pinetops, North Carolina, on February 14, 1995, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They were married for 29 years.  He leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters, Victoria Templeton of Omaha Nebraska and Kashina Glover, currently stationed in Iwakuni Japan, and one son Almond Thorpe of Kinston: five grandchildren, Eric Templeton, Tymus Templeton, Dianne Glover, Eve Templeton and Isaiah Glover-Salazar. 

James served 22 honorable years in the United States Air Force as an electrician and military police officer.  He received various awards, accolades and certifications while serving.  After retiring from the Air Force, he worked with Xerox Printing for 12 years and earned a second retirement. He was a member of the Fellows Club of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

James had a great love for life, fishing, the Lakers and the Dallas Cowboys.  He never missed an opportunity to laugh or crack a joke.  He took life seriously but didn’t let life pass him by either.  He enjoyed listening to music and spending time with his family.  He took his role as a Papa very seriously and took great care of his grandchildren. 

James will be remembered for his infectious laugh, quiet but playful demeanor, a kind-hearted and loving man.

James was preceded in death by his parents James Burnell Jr. and Sarah Bass, His paternal grandparents James Burnell Sr. and Catherine Burnell, aunts; Mami Wright, Celia Moore and Sarah Burnell.

Surviving aunts and Uncle; Frank Burnell Sr. (Gloria), Evalina Milligan, Carrie Burnell, Ruthie Robinson, and Jean Holmes.  He also leaves behind a plethora of cousins. 

James will be greatly missed but never forgotten or gone from our hearts.  Thank you for all your love, kindness, patience, wisdom, and care. You are and were a great man, husband, father and friend.

A service to celebrate his life with full military honors will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. A private interment will be held at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family request no flowers.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #45, 212 East Mulberry Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530. 

Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.