"Whiskey Jim" O'Dell Burney
January 14, 1946 - March 9, 2000

    Our brother, "Whiskey Jim," concluded his life on this Earth doing what he loved best -- riding his motorcycle free and into the wind.  Some would say that was his last ride.  But it wasn't. 
    Jim Burney was a down-to-Earth biker's biker kind of man and he had been around plenty during his 54 years of life to prove it.   He was street smart, having learned it from the so-called "rough side of the tracks."
    He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country for eight years, earning a number of medals for good conduct, Vietnam Service, and the Navy Unit Commendation.  He was honorably discharged April 22, 1971.
    Whiskey Jim joined the Boozefighters approximately 8 years ago and served his club with "HONOR, LOYALTY, and BROTHERHOOD."  His invaluable contributions to the organization included Advisor, Recruiter, and an Officers position of Sergeant at Arms.  With his hard core biker experiences from up north, he always proclaimed we should never become "that type of club."
    Jim Burney's funeral was held on March 12, 2000.  Cremation followed immediately after the service.  On March 19, 2000, a memorial service was held at the Boozefighter Clubhouse.  Following that event, around 100 bikes, the Club limo, and many 4-wheel vehicles caravaned to a beautiful sight on Chaulk Mountain (Texas) between Glen Rose and Hico (Texas).  An urn, shaped and painted like the gas tank on Ole Aggravation (Jim's bike) was strapped on the back of   "Big John's" (National President).  But that wasn't Whiskey Jim's last ride either.
    On the edge of Chaulk Mountain, the congregation was led in the Lord's prayer by the National Chaplain; various people gave their testimony and said their final good-byes.  Chapter 69's President (Whiskey Jim's chapter) gave a final prayer, then "Big John" spread Jim Burney's ashes on the edge of the cliff.
    Everyone hoisted their cups of Burney's favorite, Black Velvet, to the toast of: "Here's to Whiskey Jim and Boozefighters up!"  As we drank it straight down, a strong breeze blew in and started lifting ashes in the sky.  "Whiskey Jim" is know on his last ride, carefree and into the wind.

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