CHAFFEE, Mo. -- James Leroy Burnett, 90, of Miles City, Mont., formerly of Chaffee, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the VA Community Living Center in Miles City.

He was born March 5, 1919, at Neely's Landing, Mo., to Harvey Leroy and Jessie Marie Litzenfelner Burnett.

Burnett served in World War II until he was injured in Alaska.

He and Catherine McDonald were married June 3, 1944. They moved to Miles City in 1951. He worked in the historic Montana Bar in Miles City until retiring in 1977.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years; a son, James Duncan Burnett; two daughters, Ava Kay Boschee and Jodie Ann Rhodes; three grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a sister, Betty Kennedy of Alexandria, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

Graveside rites were held at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

Announcement courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.