Mr. Burger was the most supportive teacher I never had at Southfield High lol (I never actually had a class with him). I was constantly getting detentions and suspensions in high school, not because I was doing anything terribly wrong,  but because I was very independent and tended to thumb my nose at authority. Mr. Burger understood me, he "got" me, he let me be me, and he defended me from teachers itching to fulfill their superiority complex by exercising their authority over me. Truth be told, Mr. Burger disliked some of the teachers just as much as I did - he was a bit of a rebel, just like me. He even let me call him Jim! A rarity among teachers. He was a man who gave mutual respect to all who truly deserved it, even teenagers. 

Jim was also the one who exposed me to Transcendentalist philosophy, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau, and by doing so encouraged my independent thinking and resistance to blindly following authority. He was a rare teacher, a great human being, and  honestly one of the most influential men in my early adult development. With all honesty, I would not be the man I am today if it were not for his teachings. 

Mr. Burger, was my favorite Teacher. I attended Denby High School, graduating 1986. For some reason, he saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I can honestly say that he really enjoyed teaching and helping students. He was firm, but fair....,,

Jimmy Z, Great White Wonder, Mr. B, Burger... teacher, mentor, friend, confidant... so many hats you wore. I was inspired to become a teacher, and you continually encouraged me to "keep on keeping on". I am so honored to have called you friend in my lifetime. My heart is tearful as I write this, but I have peace as I reflect on your amazingly inspirational life. You lived it well, and we would all benefit from walking a step in your footprints. Peace and Love, from your Forever Student...

Mr. Burger was my teacher at Henry Ford High, who personally helped me and many of my fellow classmates. He was a Good Man. My sorrow goes to all his family.

He was my father but most of all my friend. He was always there for me when I needed him most. He was a wonderful Grandfather too. He was always thinking about my little guys and always had something nice to share with them. Words cannot express my loss. I will miss his wisdom, encouragement, and humor always. We'll all miss you Dad. We love you so much.

Poppy, You have been there for me. No matter how far away you were, you where always there for me! You have really been there for all of us. When I heard you were in the hospital. I had to be there in that time for you. I will miss you, but I am happy for you too! You won in life. You raised three kids, and you managed to bring three flabies into this world! He found life so much more inmportant than what everyone else did. Everything he saw; it may be food, a building, or anything in life. He saw it as a work of art. I could go on forever about how much I love you poppy. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandfather, but you were a wonderful everthing! Love you! Your grandson Izod! Quanna, Quanna, Quanna

Poppy, Over the years I have come so close to you! It was so nice to joke around with you! You were never my father-in-law. You were always a dad to me. I loved your insight on things. Hearing the stories about all the kids you touched in school. You really cared for them and their future. I feel blessed to be in the Burger family. Thank you for all the wisdom and wonderful advice you always had for us. Thank you for being there for Brian and I in our hard times. What a wonderful Husband, father, and grandfather you are! I love you Poppy! Peace!

My deepest sympathy, cherish your memories, they will help you through this difficult time.

You will be missed, good friend. You took me under your wing when I was hired into Southfield. You not only taught the students, you taught me to be a better teacher. I will miss your emails: your jokes and educational articles. But most of all I will miss the good friend you are.

I worked with Jim at Henry Ford. I was Dean of Students and Asst. Principal. Jim loved kids and always gave the extra needed to help them be successful. He was well liked by the staff and extremely bright. Education lost a true professional and he will be missed.

Jim added so much to each of our lives that space would not allow us to tell the story. Above all he displayed peace and love at all times. He etched a place in our hearts that will always be reserved for him. We loved him beyond words. Power to the People!

What a wonderful man, who loved life and was like a second Dad to me. I have so many cherished memories of family vacations we spent together. All the great times, and great places I was able to see because of you and your family. A very generous, caring, intelligent and loving person that I will never forget. You will truly be missed Mr. Burger. God is with you now.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James Burger

3 octobre 1940 – 30 août 2010

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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