James Russell Burgess
April 16, 1950 – June 16, 2026
James Russell Burgess passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, following a brief illness.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Nancy A. Burgess; his sisters, Teresa Burgess, Debra Burgess, and Susan (Burgess) Gallardo; his nephews, Geoffrey Burgess, Benjamin Burgess, and Cameron Clegg; his nieces, Sarah (Burgess) Mateer and Genevieve Burgess; and eight cherished grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Burgess and Frances (Murdock) Burgess, and by his brothers, Barry (Burgess) Hopcroft, Steven Burgess, and Brian Burgess.
Jim had a lifelong love of music of many genres, especially rock and roll. He also loved to travel with his wife, Nancy. Together they explored many far-flung destinations across Asia, Europe, Turkey and Egypt, as well as countless places throughout the United States. Jim was an excellent photographer and captured many of these destinations in beautiful slide collections which he often shared with family and friends. Through every adventure and every day in between, Jim was a loving, devoted, and steadfast partner to Nancy.
An avid gardener, Jim took great pride in creating a beautiful yard and thriving vegetable garden with Nancy at their longtime home in Lodi. In recent years, he enjoyed staying active at the gym, where he formed many valued friendships. Throughout his life, he could often be found tinkering, repairing, and fixing things, including cars—well at least until they became too damn complicated.
Jim dedicated more than 25 years of service to East Bay Municipal Utility District, where he worked as a Supervising Senior Hydrographer. He was respected by his colleagues for his knowledge, professionalism, and strong work ethic, and he developed several lifelong friendships during his career.
Jim will be remembered for his love of music, his passion for travel, his devotion to his home and garden, his ability to fix almost anything, and, above all, the love, kindness, and quiet strength he shared with family and friends. He will be especially missed by Nancy, with whom he shared a life filled with love, companionship, and adventure. Jim will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
In accordance with his wishes, Jim will be interred at Cherokee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to a medical charity of your choice.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burgess family.
