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James Leon Burleson, Jr.

James L. Burleson, Jr. (Jim, Papa) of Dothan passed away on May 16, 2026. He was born in Moulton, Alabama on May 23, 1941, to James Leon & Stella Wicker Burleson.

Following graduation from Dothan High School in 1959, he attended Auburn University and was a member of the National Guard for seven years.

Jim married Jeanie Ball in 1968. They lived in Ocala, Florida for several years until they moved to Marianna, Florida in 1975, where Jim was the owner of Associated Contractors Inc. He was a former member of the Marianna Kiwanis Club where he was past president and Kiwanian of the Year. He also was previously Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #1516, and on the board of the Family Stop-Over House. Jim was one of the founding members of The Chipola Civic Club and actively attended every week until his passing. Jim & Jeanie moved to Dothan in 2021.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanie; sons, Dave Burleson, and Heath Burleson (Natalie); grandsons, Coe Burleson, Carter Burleson (Emma), Cameron Burleson, and Colin Burleson; sister, Betty Burleson Carpenter; and brothers, David Burleson, and Lee Burleson (Amy).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Burleson.

The family will be receiving friends and having a casual celebration of his life at the home of his son and favorite daughter-in-law, in Dothan, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in his memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).