James was born September 28, 1930 in Humboldt, Nebraska. His parents were James Burgett, Sr. and Eulalia Burgett. He was the 4th of six siblings; Marie E. Gibbs, Leo E. Burgett, John I. Burgett, Paul W. Burgett and Ralph A. Burgett. James was the last survivor of his siblings.
James worked in the grocery store and on the farm in Humboldt, Nebraska in his younger years. He joined the Air Force in 1951 making a career serving his country. While in the Air Force, James served in both Korea and Vietnam and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1974.
James, during this time in the military, met his wife Loretta, and they were married in 1951, and soon had 2 beautiful children. Loretta passed away in 2006. Following James' retirement from the Air Force he kept working for a number of years in very interesting positions. James worked at the City of Rolla in maintenance, Missouri State Geological Survey and District Manager at Circle K.
James loved to be outside and enjoyed long walks in the woods and observing wildlife. He loved gardening, mowing the lawn and taking care of flowers and shrubs.
James is survived by children, Carol Lynn Burgett-Howell and Warren James Burgett. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Shawn Lenhart, Christopher Lenhart, Janell Lane, Pamela Taylor and Devin Burgett. James loved and was a devoted family man and will be sorely missed.
