1929
Arthur
2016
Arthur James "Jim" Burgess
November 7, 1929 — April 23, 2016
Arthur James Burgess, "Jim," passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2016, at the age of 86, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ora; his children, Steve (Cathy), Brian (Theresa) and Kellee; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his brothers, Jerry (Susan), Bert (Terri) and his sister, Gaynell (Doug).
Jim was born in Montrose, Colorado, but the family moved immediately after his birth to Grand Junction, Colorado. Jim attended his first three years of high school in Grand Junction and spent his senior year at the New Mexico Military Institute. Jim returned to Grand Junction, where he was reacquainted with Ora, and on October 16, 1949, he and Ora were married. After the Korean War broke out, Jim joined the Air Force on January 2, 1952 and was honorably discharged four years later. Jim and Ora moved to Denver, where Jim attended the University of Denver and graduated with his Bachelor's Degree. Upon graduating, Jim was offered a position at Sandia National Laboratories and he and Ora relocated to Albuquerque in 1957. After three years with Sandia, he was offered a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico "BCBS". He spent the rest of his career there, retiring as President of BCBS in 1990, after 30 years of service.
Jim and Ora loved traveling the United States in their motorhome, with many of their very dear friends. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, boating, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Westside. A private burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Jim's name to the Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org.
FRENCH - Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd NW
505-897-0300
Jim was born in Montrose, Colorado, but the family moved immediately after his birth to Grand Junction, Colorado. Jim attended his first three years of high school in Grand Junction and spent his senior year at the New Mexico Military Institute. Jim returned to Grand Junction, where he was reacquainted with Ora, and on October 16, 1949, he and Ora were married. After the Korean War broke out, Jim joined the Air Force on January 2, 1952 and was honorably discharged four years later. Jim and Ora moved to Denver, where Jim attended the University of Denver and graduated with his Bachelor's Degree. Upon graduating, Jim was offered a position at Sandia National Laboratories and he and Ora relocated to Albuquerque in 1957. After three years with Sandia, he was offered a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico "BCBS". He spent the rest of his career there, retiring as President of BCBS in 1990, after 30 years of service.
Jim and Ora loved traveling the United States in their motorhome, with many of their very dear friends. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, boating, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, May 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Westside. A private burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Jim's name to the Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org.
FRENCH - Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd NW
505-897-0300
Service Details
Monday, May 2nd, 2016, 10:00am, FRENCH - Westside
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