James Evans Burlington
February 28, 1953 - May 15, 2026
James (Jim) Evans Burlington passed away on May 15, 2026 with his beloved wife of 46 years Linn at his side. Born February 28, 1953, in Lodi where Jim was a lifelong and fourth generation resident. Jim attended St. Anne’s Catholic School, Lodi Middle School, and Lodi High where he was a member of the diving team. He attended college at San Joaquin Delta College, UC Davis, and graduated from University of the Pacific with a bachelor’s degree in English. He went on and received a Law degree from Humprey’s Law School at night while working full time at San Joaquin Sulphur plant.
Jim began his law career in private practice and later joined the San Joaquin County Public Defenders office where he retired from in 2010. He firmly believed everyone deserved a good defense and dedicated his entire career to doing just that.
Jim had many hobbies, including restoring old motorcycles with his buddy Larry Skelton, who probably greeted Jim in heaven with wrench in hand. He was also involved in home wine making for many years with Herb Paskett and a group of family and friends. Jim also enjoyed history and was a member of E Clampus Vitus where he and members would travel around Northern California erecting historical plaques commemorating the forgotten, obscure, and sometimes bawdy aspects of frontier history.
Jim was a devoted member of the Order of Odd Fellows where he served as Noble Grand, Legal Scholar and Lodge Historian.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Earl (Bud) and Llewella Burlington, and his nephew Carson Burlington. He is survived by his wife Linn, his brother Price, and his nieces Jonna McFarland, Kelsey Raya, and nephews Keaton and Augustine (Gus) Burlington.
FUNERAL SERVICE
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 26th at 11AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity or cause meaningful to you, in honor of Jim’s generous spirit.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burlington family.
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