James Burnett

James Burnett was born on September 23, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Nathaniel Anderson Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Burnett, who both have preceded him in death. After the death of his mother, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Shirley and Jesse Kemp. He was affectionately known as “BB” or “B” by family and friends. James attended Indianapolis Public Schools and graduated from Harry E. Wood High School. James worked for Sexton Quality Foods for over 20 years until they closed down. He then worked for Brulin Chemical Company for 10 years before sickness forced him into retirement. James married Odella Williams on February 8, 1997. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend. “BB” loved listening to music and enjoyed cooking and entertaining his family and friends, there was never a dull moment. On June 17, 2026, at the age of seventy-two, he departed this earthly life. He put up a good fight till the end, even when they counted him out several months ago, he kept fighting. The courage, strength, and unwavering will to keep going that he displayed during this battle was truly inspiring. He lived fully, loved sincerely, and gave more than this world could ever take away therefore, he did not lose to his illness, nor is his legacy defined by that illness. Instead. his legacy is defined by the countless lives he touched and the light he brought into them. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Burnett, father, Nathaniel Anderson Sr., daughter, Shirley Burnett, uncle, Jesse Kemp, brother, Edward Lee Ball Sr, bonus brothers, Carlis Burnett, and Kenric Spells James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 29 years, Odella Burnett, daughters, Mary “Candy” Burnett, Sheryl Burnett, and Channelle (Lamont) Parker, brothers, William Burnett, Ronald (Billie) Ball, Tony (Sue) Ball, Theodore Ball, Roger Ball, and bonus brother, Christopher Kemp, sisters, Emma Craig and Hattie Ball, bonus sisters, Tonya Spells, Terri Diallo, Kimberly Kemp, Trinna Christopher, and Lekitia Kemp, best friend, Greg Quick, ten grandchildren, Diamond Oliver, Shaming Lamb (Chris), LaJoye Burnett, Destiney Butcher, Joshua Adams, Tyrell Jones, LaMyshia Parker, Zachariah Quinn Torriano Patterson, and Destiney Bennett, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. ***A special Thank you to Community Hospice and his sister-in-law, Virginia Marshall, and niece, Anye Miller for always being there for him and Odella and for the tremendous care that they all provided.

James Burnett

September 23, 1953 - June 17, 2026