Joe Burleson graduated from Bernie High School in 1958. After attending Freed Hardeman University, Harding University, and getting his Masters in Education, he moved to Northern Indiana to become a 5th grade teacher at River Forest Elementary School in 1964. That same year, he took over as head coach of the Junior Varsity Boys High School Basketball team. After teaching for 40 years, he retired. However, he continued to hold the same position as JV coach, which he still holds as of 2010 after an amazing 46 years. He is married to the former Judy Grimm and they live in Valparaiso, IN. They have three children: Stephanie, Natalie, and Jeremy, who all graduated from Valparaiso High School.