George Burrows passed away on June 9, 2009, after a year-long battle with lung cancer. Born in Oakes, North Dakota, on October 1, 1922, James moved to San Diego at age 11, living with his parents Richadean and Austin Burrows, now deceased. James attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High and also helped his parents run their family-owned jewelry business in downtown San Diego. James joined the ROTC program at Hoover High School, where he graduated in 1940. In September 1940, James joined the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class during World War II. Serving as an aircraft mechanic with the 251st Coast Artillery Regiment ("We Aim to Hit" Anti Aircraft), the first National Guard unit deployed overseas, James was present at Pearl Harbor when three of the 251st members were the first U.S. casualties of the attack on December 7, 1941. His regiment later served in Fiji, Guadalcanal, and Bougainville. After James' discharge in July of 1945, he met and wed Lorraine Marcella Gurns on May 31, 1947. From July 1950 to June 1952, James, then a father of two, went on to serve in the Korean War. In July 1979, James retired from Federal Civil Service, having worked 28 years as an aircraft examiner at the Naval Air Station San Diego (NARF). James was an active member of American Legion Post 282 in La Mesa, where he enjoyed playing billiards. He also loved a good game of poker with his Legion buddies, or fishing with his family. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, three sons Mike, Gary and Chris, along with two daughters Karen and Kay. James also leaves behind six grandchildren and three great- grandchildren, who will all miss their "Grampy." Viewing at El Cajon Mortuary, 4 - 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 16th, with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Wednesday, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, El Cajon, followed by Burial at El Cajon Cemetery.