James B. Burkholder

Who was James B. Burkholder?

James B. Burkholder was a former United States Army officer who, after retiring, became involved in peace and social justice issues.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he attended the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving a degree in accounting from the Wharton School there, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve. He went on active duty before the United States entered World War II. Following WWII, he became a career officer and received a Regular Army commission. He retired from the Army in 1973 with the rank of Colonel. Following his retirement he lived in Tucson, Arizona.

When the Sanctuary movement started in the 1980s, he became a supporter and even helped to transport and house Central American political refugees.

In 1987 he joined Veterans for Peace, and was soon elected president of the organization's Tucson chapter. He later served as the national president of VFP. He also served as a member of the Board of Advisers for the Center for Defense Information.

Following a brief illness, he died from pancreatic cancer less than two months shy the 65th anniversary of his marriage to Lucille Burkholder.