James C. Burliss Print E-mail

  

James C. Burliss

A Life Well Lived,

December 15, 1923 - February 28, 2018;

James C. Burliss, 94, formerly of Lowell, MA and Kennebunkport, ME passed away on Wednesday, February 28 in Naples, Florida.  Jim and Ann Burliss had recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary with some of their dearest friends.

Jim was a dedicated and hard worker who owned and operated Shamrock Liquors in Haverhill, MA until his retirement 30 years ago.

As members of Quail Creek Country Club, both Jim and Ann enjoyed partaking in the events held at the club.  Jim’s favorite event was the Kentucky Derby.

He was an avid golfer and a lifelong student of the game. Those who had the chance to play golf with our dad knew that he was an exceptional putter.

He was both humble and witty with a twinkle in his eye and loved to tell a good story. Daily, he would solve the morning cryptogram and word jumble with surgical precision. Technology, the internet, and the stock market became his favorite past time.

The couple met while working next door to each other on Dummer St., in Lowell MA. He was an auto-mechanic, while Ann worked in her father’s grocery store. Ann saw that Jim was thirsty and brought him a Coke, a love story that to this day and always will be filled with lasting memories of a compassionate, generous, and loving husband.

Jim’s parents Charles and Steliani Mpourles (Burliss) were Immigrants of Vlahava, Greece. Jim graduated from Lowell High School in 1941 and was drafted in 1943. As a member of the 45th Division, 179th infantry he was a proud Thunderbird. He fought in Italy, France, and Germany and was wounded in the Battle of Anzio, Italy for which he received a Purple Heart, and Gold Star for Heroic and Meritorious Achievement.  As a young soldier, he also fought in the historic Battle of the Bulge. On April 29, 1945, James and his regiment liberated Dachau. He and his infantry men drove the survivors to Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, one week prior to the end of WWII.

His family was his greatest achievement. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was a very special man who would selflessly put the needs of his family first.

He is survived by his wife Ann (DeMoulas) Burliss, his children William, Judith, Marina and Charles, their spouses, seven grandchildren, two loving nieces Fotene Demoulas , Diana Merriam their spouses and children.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes the services will be private. E-condolences at odonnellfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:  Woundedwarriorproject.org and Autism-Society.org. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

I love you a little more today than yesterday. All my love, your wife Ann.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condolences (3)
  • Maria Simon
    Dear Marina, I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope that, in time, you are able to find comfort in many happy memories. My heart is thinking of you, Maria Simon
  • Xandra Tassios Sharron  - Deeply Saddened
    Dear Ann, I am deeply saddened for the loss of your beloved Jim. May his memory be eternal.
  • Susan Dee
    Dearest Marina, So sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Dad. I enjoyed hearing your stories about him. You look like him. May you find peace in knowing that he lived that full life. Respectfully, Susan
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