1931 ~ BURGESS ~ 2014
Posted: September 15th, 2014
James \”Jim\” Burgess of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, September 11th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. Jim leaves to cherish his memory his sister-in-law, Lil Burgess; nephew, Bob (Gina) Burgess and Bob\’s children, Teagan, Brayden and Marissa; his niece, Denise Burgess; and special friends, Karen (Justin) Steele and their children, Jordan, Kori-lyn, and Jayda. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dan and Helen Burgess; and one brother, Doug. Jim worked as a Denture Assistant in Calgary for many years. He was a very musical person and played in a band in his earlier years. He enjoyed riding his motorbike until about three years ago, and he loved animals especially his cats. Jim spent his last two years at Masterpiece Living where he was very happy. Thanks to the nurses and staff at Masterpiece for the excellent care Jim received. A Private Graveside Service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 with Gary Goran officiating. Memorial gifts in Jim\’s memory may be made to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jim Burgess. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, \”The Chapel in the Park\”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
Jim was very special to me. He was my neighbour for nearly a decade but he became so much more to my family and I. He was like a grandfather to me. I spent so many days at his house visiting with him and his cats. (For those of you who knew him, he really did start with one: Sylvester– honest!) He was a very eccentric guy which I greatly appreciated. I have, nor ever will, meet anyone like him. I moved away years ago but did my best to keep in contact with him. When he told me he got a motorcycle (in his 70’s) I remembered him telling me he had one when he was younger. Then he got a couple more. You could always rely on Jim to go big or go home, and if he had one of something, he had a hundred. He had a huge heart and was always there for me. Last year when I found out he was at Masterpiece, I called him and we spoke for a short while, he hummed an old song and told me I should listen to it. I cannot remember now what it was, but for that moment, I heard the joy and love in his voice that I remembered. I saw him last summer and it broke my heart to see where he was, he was always so independent. We talked a bit and sat for a few hours. No words needed. I don’t think I’d be who I am if it weren’t for Jim.