Willie James Jr. was born to Willie James and Murphy Burnett on December 28,1944 in San Francisco, Ca
His family moved to Vernonia, Or in early 1950. His mother Murphy received her wings in March of 1956. Willie then relocated to Portland to live with his Aunt Carnell & Uncle Arthur Butler. Willie attended Boise Grade School and Benson High School where he graduated, Class of 1962.Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1962. After being discharged from the Marines he moved to Seattle, Wa. where he was employed with UPS and FedEx. Willie was known as H.B by his friends, he was a Big Sports Fan (Go Raiders) He loved playing and Coaching Softball and he loved each one of his players.
Willie was blessed with a beautiful baby girl Sarita Rush and a handsome bouncing boy Gerald Bradford. Willie relocated to Tacoma, WA where he met and married Regina Ellis, to this union a daughter was born Genika T Burnett. While in Tacoma he accepted Christ. In later years he moved to Portland to help care for his Aunt Carnell until she received her wings. He happily married his love Lorna Bowden in January 2021.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, Daughter; Genika, Aunt & Uncle & sister; Carolyn.
He leaves to mourn his dedicated wife and caregiver Lorna, daughter; Sarita Rush (Portland, Or) son; Gerald (Sonja) Bradford (Seattle, WA), brother; Samuel Jenkins (Portland, Or) 4 Grandchildren; Jaelin Rogers, Justin Thomas (Portland, Or), Brooke & Sierra Bradford (Seattle, WA) ,4 Stepdaughters; Taucha Jackson, Gloria Bowden, Yolanda & Laneshia Ellis, 1 step son; Wayne Fulmer Jr., 5 step granddaughters, 2 step grandsons, Special Cousin Betty Chinn and a host of relatives and friends
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