James Leroy (Jim) Burrow was born on April 2, 1949 in Humansville, Missouri to Wanda Carroll and Marion Burrow. He was raised in Grandview and Osceola by his mother and stepfather James Powell.
Jim met his sweetheart Clarice in Osceola, where he attended school. On April 20, 1968 they were married and their lives began. He joined the Army in June of 1970 where he served 2 years, with 11 months of that being overseas. Jim was an honorable man who earned many medals and badges, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal.
After serving, Jim returned home to Osceola with his wife, where they soon started their family. They welcomed their daughter Laurinda LeeAnn and son James Anthony. He was a hardworking man that always made sure his family was well taken care of and happy. Later in life he was blessed to become “Papa”. A title that he proudly wore with a great big smile and a Santa hat on Christmas. In his free time, Jim enjoyed watching old westerns, hunting, snagging, and taking daytrips with his wife.
One of the things that his family will remember most is his sense of humor and the nicknames he would give his siblings, kids, and grandchildren. Peckel, Jig, Grody, Fred, Herman, Duke, Goose, Lou Lou, Shortman, Birdy, Pete-man, and Peewee Herman to name a few.
Jim passed away in his home February 14, 2026. We find peace in knowing that he was reunited with the love of his life on Valentines Day.
Jim is survived by his daughter Laurinda Gipson, his son James Burrow and wife Candice, ten grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, his sister Carol and husband Bruce, his brother Mike and wife Dorothy, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife Clarice, his father Marion Burrow, his mother and stepfather Wanda and Lawrence Layher, his stepfather James Powell, his father- in-law Walter Wood, mother-in-law Martha Bird Wood, four brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, and many other loved ones.
He is now reunited with them, and we know he is at peace.