JAMES BURG

1946 - 2016

James Clinton Burg 11/8/1946 - 4/1/2016 Jim was born on November 8th, 1946 to Edythe and John Burg. He grew up in Tacoma, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School and the University of Puget Sound. He is survived by his wife, Ann Johnson-Burg; children Kim Meade (Mark), Kristin Hamner, Cris Burg, and Joey Burg; and two brothers, Mike Burg and Paul Burg (Donna). He also leaves the grandchildren he celebrated: Dane, Keirin, Alison, Kellen, Aiden, Dylan, Connor, and Lauren. As his family, we are comforted to remember him in life a life well-lived. Jim was raised in Tacoma and enjoyed a successful career in Employee Relations. Jim's career introduced him to men and women with whom he developed deep friendships: friendships that he continued to celebrate until just before his passing. It's so difficult to capture the depth of a person, impossible to share the variety of good memories. Sometimes it seems we are remembering different people. Jim was a brother, husband, a partner, a father, a grandpa, and a friend. None of us knew "every Jim", but it is sure fun to hear stories and discover more about the man we loved. Jim and Ann celebrated life, with travel, entertaining, and special treats. If you do something every day it's a habit, but Dad and Ann preferred to think of it as a "treat," a lesson in celebrating all things; a trip to Starbucks, a special appetizer, a drive to look at cloud shapes. Jim was passionate about community and volunteering his time and expertise - The Broadway Center, Rotary, the St. Charles Food Bank. Dad is remembered for his love of good books, reading about American history and the Civil War. Grandpa loved to cook and teach the grandkids how to appreciate good food. He was not one to shy away from standing out or being different in the crowd. In the community of 12's, he was loyal to the Oakland Raiders. In a world filled with music, Dad adored Bob Dylan. We loved him; and will continue to honor and discover all that made him our father, grandfather, partner, friend, and man. He is more than any of us knew; only in community can we accurately honor and remember him, but we will miss him individually nonetheless. We invite you to Mass and a Celebration of Jim Burg's Life at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 7112 S 12th St, Tacoma WA. In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to The Broadway Center, 915 Broadway, Tacoma WA 98402 (Educational Program), or to St. Charles Food Bank.