Jim Burgess, age 93, of St. John, IN went to be with Our Lord on Saturday, September 19,2020. He is survived by four children: Patrick (Loni Lea) of West Point, IN, Mark (Laura Mathew) of Issaquah, WA, Allison (Scott) Homans of Cedar Lake, IN, Nicola/Nikki of St. John, IN, and honorary third son, John Moelhman of Rainer WA; seven grandchildren: Beth (Bruce Walkup), Adam (Wendy) Burgess, Jennifer (Phil Watson), Joe (Lori) Burgess, Jim (Becky) Burgess, Jeff (Taylor) Homans, Kelly (Jeff Reed), and 15 great grandchildren: Abby, Trent, Thomas, Kendall, Bethany, Charles, Madison, Reagan, Christopher, Abel, Lylah, Belle, Lacey, Avery, Emmett, and Baby Girl Reed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte of 62 years, siblings: Ray and Ruth (George Katz), and three great grandchildren (Sebastian, Blaize, and Baby Homans).
Friends may meet with the family on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Fagen Miller Funeral Home, 8580 Wicker Ave. (Route 41) Saint John, IN 46373. Service performed by Pastor Dave Weemhoff of Faith Church - Cedar Lake.
Jim passed away peacefully Saturday morning surrounded by family and friends. Jim was known for his subtle sense of humor, often making a comment and quietly waiting to see if others would catch the humor or irony. He lived most of his 93 years in northwest Indiana and enjoyed his family and many friends.
Jim was born in Kettle, Kentucky in 1927, to Charlie and Carmon, and moved to Whiting, IN as a boy. He attended George Rogers Clark High School in Hammond. At 17 years old, Jim enlisted in the Army and left for service before his graduation ceremony. Jim served in Europe as a radio technician, was stationed in Germany where he recorded the Nuremburg war trials for the US Army, and earned two medals for his service.
After his service, Jim met his future wife Charlotte, married and began family life raising four children. Jim owned several service stations while building race cars and running the pit crews. He also owned and flew two airplanes and later worked rebuilding automatic transmissions as a mechanic (passing his mechanic knowledge to his sons and grandsons). As a trucker, he transported hazardous chemicals. Jim earned numerous awards for his safety and endurance of the many miles covered through the Midwest and East coast. Jim lived most of his life in St. John, Indiana where he was a volunteer fireman, and from time-to-time assisted the local police. Throughout his life, he was blessed with many friends. He enjoyed his morning coffee get togethers at Mister Donut, then McDonalds in Schererville and has made many great friends. Jim was always known as someone who could be counted on for help whenever needed.
A special thank you to Jackie Mansfield, Misty Cornett, and Karen Starnes for their love and devotion for caring for our Dad. These ladies have become part of our family, and we love and appreciate them dearly for all they have done for him.
Due to Covid, the state does not permit food in the funeral home, and we will not be having a dinner at this time. We will have a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: VFW, Riley’s Children’s Hospital, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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