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James Burgess Obituary
59, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI. He was husband to Charlotte (Dunning) Burgess of Brunswick, Maine, for 31 years. They made their home in Providence.
Born in El Paso, TX, he was the son of the late James F. Burgess Sr. and Mae (Chylak) Burgess of Niskyuna, NY. Jim graduated from Niskayuna High School and earned Eagle Scout Rank while a member of Boy Scout Troop 31. Jim received a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Economics from the University of Rochester in 1979; his Master of Arts in 1981 and Ph.D. in 1987 in Economics were from Brown University. He was a professor at Boston University where he was also the director of the Health Economics Program, and a researcher for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Jim had an extensive list of professional achievements as researcher for the VA Management Science Group, the Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR) which included: Director of Pathways to VA Health Care, Senior Associate Editor of Health Services Research, Area Editor in Health Information Technology Economics and Health Systems and Chair of AcademyHealth's Methods Council and Health Services Research Learning Consortium. He was awarded the John Eisenberg Award for Excellence in Mentorship, from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2015.
He was a member of All Saints' Memorial Church in Providence, RI where he sang in the choir, chaired the Discernment Committee and had served as Senior Warden and Chair of the Finance Committee. He also chaired the Commission on Congregational Development for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. Jim enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their summer home overlooking Pequawket Lake in Limington, ME. An avid Diplomacy player, he promoted the game via his personal publication The Abyssinian Prince, served as co-editor of Diplomacy World magazine, and organized many Diplomacy conventions.Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by two stepsons: Josiah Pierce Jr. and his wife Marisa Hess of Providence and Daniel V. Pierce and his wife Gwen Miller of West Baldwin, ME; two grandchildren: Emily Ann Pierce and Noah David Pierce, three brothers: Robert Burgess of Colorado, Stephen Burgess of Florida and David Burgess of New York, and numerous nephews and nieces. Calling hours will take place at All Saints' Memorial Church, 674 Westminster St, Providence, RI on Friday, July 14 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will take place at the church on Saturday, July 15 at 11:00 AM immediately followed by a reception, also at the church. Burial will take place after the reception in Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI. Remembrances may be shared at carpenterjenks.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to All Saints' Memorial Church, 674 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903, or the Boston University School of Public Health Scholarship Fund. Remembrances may be shared at carpenterjenks.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Burgess
Sponsored by Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory.
Mary Ellen White Aunt Mary
June 27, 2024
Loving thoughts of our nephew this day and always...
July 18, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
Trish
July 17, 2017
Charlotte, The last few weeks I spent with you and Jim were so meaningful to me. We had some fun and laughs with the card games.
I will never forget all the work talks I would have with Jim at the dinners we would have at Greggs after any choir or Sunday service.
As well the many weekend up at "Bears Way",these times together with the two of you have meant the world to me.
The advise I have received from Jim this past few months I will hold close to my heart. He always new the right thing to say, and what he felt was best and right for me, he would always say, "I hope I don't hurt your feelings by saying this".I would listen to every word. HE WAS A VERY WISE GENTLEMAN.
All my Love,Prayers and Blessing go out to you and all of your family.
Paul Rauterberg
July 8, 2017
I was proud to count "Jim-Bob" among my friends. He was smart, fun and had great taste in music. He was also one of the best Diplomacy 'zine editors, and gamemasters, ever.
July 7, 2017
We health economists in the VA consider Jim Burgess as a Founding Father of economic analysis on issues concerning our beloved Veterans. Jim inspired me in my VA career and countless others. We are truly blessed that God gave him to the VA to make such a tremendous contribution and impact. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends and the VA and health economics communities.
Libby Dismuke
Health Equity and Rural Outreach Innovation Center
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, South Carolina
USA
July 6, 2017
7/6/ my condolences on the loss of Jim. It was always my pleasure to talk with him while he was watching the grandchildren as they played in the lake. He was a true gentlemen and I was honored to know him.
Peter Coppola
Beth Sommers
July 6, 2017
Jim has left a legacy of compassionate scholarship that is a blessing for all who knew him. Sending my condolences and wishes for healing to Charlotte and his family.
Diane Cowper Ripley
July 6, 2017
Jim will be greatly missed by his VA colleagues across the nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Edi Birsan
July 6, 2017
He was a gentleman of the Diplomacy hobby and a faithful supporter of the right thing to do in it. He was fun to play with and looked to expand the enjoyment of the social aspect of the game of Diplomacy with the players on other fields of gaming.
I will miss him.
Maria Montez Rath
July 5, 2017
Jim was an amazing person. I didn't get to work with him on any particular project during my days at the Bedford VA hospital but we still knew each other. I will never forget how he offered to put me in touch with some of his contacts in the west coast when I told him I was moving to the Bay Area. He was very kind and genuine. I'm in chock as I did not know he was battling cancer. My prayers will go for him and his family.
Rani Elwy
July 5, 2017
Dear Charlotte--we met not long ago, in our BUSPH Talbot 2nd floor "fireplace" area, when you had driven Jim to one of his many meetings at BU that he insisted on attending. Your devotion to him enabled him to keep up his devotion to his many students, his work and his colleagues. Jim had a thousand interests and behind each was his drive to do research that created a better place in this world for those who are most vulnerable. I'll miss Jim forever. He was always a bright soul on any day and had one of the biggest hearts possible. His shoes will be impossible to fill. Sending much love to you and your family.
July 4, 2017
During this time of great sorrow and pain, know that you are not alone. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, may our Father, the God of peace, give you comfort and peace in every way today, tomorrow, and always. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Dan Harvey
July 3, 2017
Charlotte and family: Can't imagine what you are all going through. Will keep you in thoughts and prayers. Jim was so kind to Al+ and I.
In prayer,
Dan
Jessica
July 3, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt condolences Burgess family for the loss of your loved one. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May you find comfort in remembering your pleasant memories of Jim. Losing a loved one in death is never easy. May you also gain hope from the words found in John 6:40.
July 2, 2017
Charlotte and family
I am so saddened for your loss. He touched so many people in so many ways he will never be forgotten. I treasure the memories of my oldest nephew and will hold them in my heart
Aunt Mary
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