James Robert Burley Sr.

James Robert Burley, Ph.D., age 60, of Mt. Pleasant passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2006 unexpectedly at his home in Roaring Gap, NC. His Memorial Service will be held at the Pohlcat Ballroom at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, with Pastor Joe Wentworth officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Central Michigan University, c/o Vicki Ebner, Department of Marketing and Hospitality, 100 Smith Hall, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859. Envelopes are also available at Lux Funeral Home. Dr. Burley was born September 7, 1945 in Kalamazoo, the son of Harold Lester & Dorothy Jean (Housel) Burley. Jim married Nancy Wallo Sept. 2, 1967 in Livonia. Dr. Burley was a Professor of Marketing & Logistics at Central Michigan University. He had been on the faculty at CMU since 1975 after spending time at Texas Tech University (1973-75) and General Motors Institute (1968-73). His research interests included personality influences on job success, particularly as it relates to new product development and international logistical systems. His research had been published in many journals including the Journal of Marketing, Research and Technology Management, The International Journal of Physical Distribution and Materials Management, Industrial Marketing Management, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Product and Innovation Management. Some of his recently published research was awarded the "Outstanding Research Paper of 1997" by the Product Development and Management Association. Dr. Burley had operated his own businesses for 25 years, creating Dr. Goodears Audio from his appreciation and understanding of high-end audio and video equipment. Dr Burley also spent time in the employment of the General Motors Corporation and Ford Motor Company. He was also a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies, completing over 35 studies for firms such as Dow Corning, General Motors, Slazenger Golf, Dow Chemical and Johns Manville Corporation. Dr. Burley had been active recently in video production, with projects completed featuring General Motors, Whirlpool Corporation, The Delfield Company, Slazenger Golf, Volkswagen and The Pebble Beach Company. Dr. Burleys professional committee activity included; The American Marketing Association, Beta Gamma Sigma, The Provosts Committee on Public Broadcasting and The Public Broadcasting Senate Committee. Dr. Burley was an accomplished golfer in his off hours and competed at the national level in the amateur ranks. Dr Burley was also an avid motorcyclist and who enjoyed many cross-country tours on his Harley with his family and friends. Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy Cynthia Burley of Mt. Pleasant; three sons, James Robert Burley, II and wife, Amber of Linden, Joseph Lester Burley at home, David Blaine Burley and fiance, Lynsey Ostahowski of Mt. Pleasant; his mother, Dorothy Jean Burley of Gaylord; a brother, Richard Lester Burley and wife, Rosetta of South Boardman; a sister, Susan Virginia Bufe and husband, Michael of Gaylord; a niece, Lauren Bufe; and three nephews, Sean McLaughlin, and Scott and Patrick Burley. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Lester Burley.