John Burnley Jr.

John Burnley Jr was born December 28, 1940 in Hartsville, Tennessee to late John Burnley Sr. And Laura Hicks. He was raised in Louisville, Kentucky where he attended Central High School graduating in 1960. He attended Western Wyoming Junior College from 1961-1963 and soon transferred to St. Martin's College in Lacey, Washington .After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Physical Education in 1966, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Special Education in 1978 and then his Master's in Adult Education in 1981 both from Seattle University. .Serving as Head Basketball Coach at Meany Middle School from 1969-1972, he went on to make history as the first African-American Assistant Varsity Men's Basketball for Seattle University serving in that role from 1972-1978. He then continued on to Seattle Central Community College where he was Head Basketball Coach from 1979-1981; Head Basketball Coach at Green River Community College from 1981-1983; Head basketball Coach for the Varsity Boys at Indian Heritage School (renamed American Indian Heritage) , making his way to becoming Head Coach of the Boys' Varsity Basketball at Nathan Hale High School from 1987-1996, wher...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

e took them to state in 1992, 1993 and 1994. His final coaching stop was with Evergreen High School in the Highline School district where he served as Head Coach for the Boys' Varsity Basketball from 1998-2006, which, in 2003, he brought to its first district championship in 35 years. In addition to coaching, John was a Special Education and Physical Education Teacher for Seattle Schools for almost 20 years and another 8 years in the Highline School District before retiring form teaching and coaching in 2006. As a math and special education teacher at Meany Middle School , Denny Middle School , Garfield High School / Orca Alternative School and Evergreen High School, he brought a presence and encouraged education beyond the classroom After retirement, he continued to substitute teach and coach boys basketball leagues all over the Seattle area. A fierce supporter of education, he found tutors for players who needed them, encouraged and tried to help his younger players get to college, assisted kids in financial need, and provided transportation to practices and games for kids who had no way otherwise. He extended himself, gave kids an incentive to achieve goals and become leaders. John Burnley, Jr. departed this life, Friday December 29, 2017, a day after his 77th birthday. Former wife, Patricia Anita Burney preceded John in death the day after Thanksgiving in 2017. He is survived by siblings: Abraham, Henry Lee, Samuel, Mary, Martha and Roland Burnley all from Louisville, KY. His children, John Burnley III and Adrienne L. Burnley; grandchildren: Ajane, Josiah, and Jordan Burnley, all from Washington State and a host of extended family and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 20, 2018. The viewing is scheduled for 11:00 am, with the service beginning at 2:00pm at Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, Washington. Words of comfort can be shared with Mr. Burnley's family by clicking the tributes tab below his name.