James Henry Burghart

James H. Burghart (Jim) was born July 18, 1938, in Erie, PA, and passed away January 8, 2026 in Cleveland, OH, aged 87 years. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Judith (nee Hoff), a dear father to Jill Lemke (Douglas) and Mark (Tiffany), and a loving grandfather to Hans (Billy) and Grace Lemke, and Ryan (Abigail), Jason, Kevin, and Nathan (Karstyn) Burghart. He was the son of Chester and Mary Virginia (nee Burke), brother of Mary Weibler (Gary), and godfather to niece Alissa Hodas (nee Weibler). He had numerous names of endearment between himself and those he loved including Mij, Papa Bear, Big Fella, J. Hank, and OBJ.

Jim graduated from Strong Vincent High in Erie in 1956, and earned undergraduate, Masters, and PhD degrees from Case Institute of Technology. After his schooling, he served in the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB. He spent his working life as a professor of electrical engineering, first at the University of Buffalo (SUNY) and then at Cleveland State University where he was a well-respected teacher and colleague, serving long stretches as department chair. In addition to his university duties, he frequently consulted with the US government at the NASA Lewis Space Center near Cleveland, and testified in Cuyahoga County Court cases as an expert witness. He was a lifetime member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).

Those who knew Jim will forever remember his sense of humor and love of wit. He played clarinet and had great appreciation for Gilbert & Sullivan. He broadcast from his own radio station in junior high and enjoyed building TVs and sound equipment. He could strike up and sustain a conversation with anyone. Unsurprisingly, he maintained multiple life-long friendships, most notably for over 80 years with Peter Weiblen.

Cancer may have ravaged his body but not his mind or his sense of humor. He was still making witty remarks just days before his death. Though he questioned the statistical validity of so many people "dying peacefully in their sleep," happily that is how he left this world, with his wife and children by his side.

Jim's later life was significantly improved by his extensive involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous. He was sober for 16 years during which time he made meetings a priority. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous (aacle.org-Club 24), Hospice of the Western Reserve (hospicewr.org/give, 855-475-0245), and/or Messiah Lutheran Church. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on March 27th at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mayfield Heights with a reception to follow at Judson Manor in University Circle, from 2-4pm.