Mr. James R. Burkett

Born - August 9, 1938

Died – December 14, 2011

Mr. James R. Burkett, age 73, of Potsdam, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10AM at St. Mary’s Church, Potsdam, with Msgr. Robert Aucoin, celebrant. Burial will follow the service St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam. Friends may call at the Garner funeral Home on Friday, December 16th from 4PM -7PM. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley. Condolences can be sent online @www.garnetfh.com.

Mr. James R. Burkett was born August 9, 1938, in Potsdam, to Harry P. and Barbara E. (Murphy) Burkett. He attended Potsdam schools and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era from 1956-60. He worked as a mason and was a member of the Bricklayer’s Union for over 50 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing cards, gardening and spending time at camp. He is survived by his sons, daughters-in-law and grandsons, Harry (Marty) and Elizabeth and their son, Christopher and James and Susan and their sons, Matthew and Michael. James is also survived by two brothers, John and David (Jackie), his sister in law Evelyn Burkett, his many nieces and nephews, and his companion of 15 years, Phyllis LaBarge. His oldest grandson, Johnathon passed away on June 26, 2010. His is also predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Mark, Lawrence, and Eddie Dale, and his sisters, Mary Stone and Sharon Basford. James was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge, the VFW and the American Legion.