James Bradford Burnside

BURNSIDE, James Bradford, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at Our Lady of Hope Health Center in Richmond Virginia. He turned 90 the week before and enjoyed a wonderful birthday party and even played happy birthday on his harmonica for all to enjoy. He was born October 22, 1918 in Washington D.C. to Harold Whiting Burnside and Enid Holden Burnside. He attended Western High School in Washington D.C. and the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a degree in business. He was a WWII decorated and valiant hero (Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Belgium Fourragere, and the Silver Star) and was a Major in 22nd infantry, 4th division, present at D-Day assault and Battle of the Bulge. He was married two times to two wonderful women, Anne Micken Burnside and Hilda Digby Burnside. Both marriages were over 20 years and sadly he was widowed twice. He worked for 33 years for General Electric, mostly with sales, retiring in 1979. He was a man of many accomplishments and interests, he was an Eagle Scout, tennis champion and enthusiast, player of card games, both bridge and poker, beach lover and body surfer, harmonica player, jitterbugger, lover of 40's music, birdwatcher, and junior and senior warden a number of times at various Episcopal churches. He was a true Christian man and was loved by all. He is survived by his sister, Jean Burnside Lawton of Watkins Glen, New York; and his brother, Bruce Burnside, Rockville Maryland; and his children, Chris Burnside, Richmond Virginia; Diane Murdock, Boston Massachusetts, Mike Burnside, San Francisco, California; and Keith Digby, Jetersville, Virginia; and his grandchildren, Nathan, Matt and Andrew Murdock. His life will be celebrated Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Hope Health Center Chapel, 13700 No. Gayton Road, Richmond, Virginia 23233, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to Our Lady of Hope in Richmond Virginia.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.