James O. Burri of Great Kills, a retired insurance executive, died January 30, 2020 after a period of declining health. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 14, 1930, Jim came to Staten Island in 1933. A graduate of Tottenville High School, he earned a BA in English at the University of Delaware where he was a member of the marching band and an officer candidate in ROTC. Jim served in the US Army as an artillery officer in Korea.
Jim was a long-time member of Great Kills Moravian Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, as treasurer, and as a choir member. Jim was also an avid sailor and a member of Richmond County Yacht Club for much of his life, where he held the offices of Secretary, Rear Commodore, and Vice Commodore. In retirement, he shared his knowledge and love of American history as a docent at Fort Wadsworth, where he led tours of Battery Weed. He was a familiar sight in his safari hat and khaki uniform.
Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nancy, his daughters Joan and Margaret, his grandson Nicholas, his brother Bill, and numerous nieces and nephews. His son John predeceased him in 1991.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Philip Merrill Environmental Center, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 or Camp Rising Sun through THE LOUIS AUGUST JONAS FOUNDATION, 77 Bleecker St., C2-13, New York, NY 10012.
The family invites friends to attend a memorial gathering on Tuesday, February 4 from 2 to 4 pm, and from 7 to 9 pm at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10308.
