The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation knows him as inmate James L. Burrell, #C34144. However, around San Quentin’s Vocational Machine Shop (VMS) program, he was affectionately known as “Curly Joe,” a curmudgeonly, gruff-acting inmate with a hidden heart of gold.
Curly Joe paroled last February after being incarcerated for nearly 33 years, all of which were served right here at San Quentin.
Curly Joe managed the Tool Room within the VMS program and ran it with a no-nonsense efficiency. He had responsibility and accountability for every piece of equipment that either left or entered the tool crib. When a student needed a particular tool, he would quickly identify it and provide the student with what was required to get the job done. You could often hear his familiar bark around the shop, yelling for someone to either pick up or turn in their tools.
The one person who knows him best is his friend and fellow machine shop student and lead man, Duane Butler. “I met Curly around 1996. He is a caring and giving person. He is the kind of person you would love to have as a brother. He is the definition of what you call a true friend. No matter what his personal situation may be, Curly will try to help you. He is honest and straight up. You don’t find many men like that around a place like this. He is a man truly blessed by God. He will always be a part of my family.”
Lead-man and machinist apprentice Ed Ballenger said, “I’ve gotten to know him quite well over the years, and he’s a great guy. He will be missed.”
He had a unique perspective to see several changes inside the prison. Along with changes in the administration, he has watched the start and end of the careers of several correctional officers and staff.
He has witnessed the changes in San Quentin’s character as the prison population has flipped over several times.
“I came in as a young man for a crime I sincerely regret,” Burrell said before leaving San Quentin. “I’ve seen a lot of changes going on around here. Some for the better, some worse, but the one thing that’s remained constant is the monotony and tediousness of it all. I’ve been fortunate to find peace, and a position within the machine shop that’s given me a modicum of responsibility and lots of friendships I will always cherish.”
Burrell was one of the longest-tenured prisoners on San Quentin’s mainline.
