James Curtis, of Havre de Grace, MD, and Edgartown, MA, died at home on November 13, 2008, after a long battle with cancers related to Agent Orange. The son of Hazel Marriott and John Cecil (Skeet) Burris, Jim was born in Tulsa, OK in 1930 and never forgot growing up during the dust bowl days and the ravages of the Depression. Despite 25 years of Military Service in various command and staff positions around the globe, Jim maintained his great affection for Oklahoma and continued connections with childhood friends through the years. He chronicled his experiences from that era in history in a book that will be completed by his wife, Marge. Mr. Burris attended Tulsa Central High School and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1954. He graduated from the Army's Command and Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS and earned a Master's Degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University while in the service. Decorated for valor in infantry combat, LTC Burris was awarded 3 Silver Stars, 2 Legion's of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2 Bronze Star medals for valor, 39 Air Medals for combat assaults in Vietnam, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and various awards and decorations from Allied Nations. He also earned the Ranger Tab and Master Parachutist's Badge. Following retirement from the military in 1973, Mr. Burris held several executive positions in the private sector and also established his own consulting firm. During his military and private sector careers Jim Burris was sought as a mentor, coach and confidant, and was appreciated for his candor, wisdom and counsel by many who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, the former Margaret Contessa; and 4 daughters; 9 grandchildren; his brother Robert and family of Aurora, CO. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., December 3, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Owings Mills, MD and Burial with Full Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2009.