Dr. John H. Burma

Dr. John H. Burma, of Claremont, died August 22, 2006 at Pilgrim Place Health Service Center. Dr. Burma was born April 2, 1913 in Dallas, TX and moved to Claremont with his wife Dorothy from Grinnell, Iowa, in 1970. He was a member of Claremont United Church of Christ. He was a graduate of Trinity University, TX, where his father served as president. He held graduate degrees in sociology from the University of Texas and the University of Nebraska. Dr. Burma taught sociology and anthropology at Grinnell College, beginning in 1941, serving both as department and division chair during his 29 years there. During 1946-47 he taught at Pomona College. In 1970 he became Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Cal Poly Pomona, retiring in 1982 as emeritus. Dr. Burma was an authority on Spanish-speaking minorities in the U.S. In addition to several sociology textbooks, he authored "Spanish Speaking Groups in the United States" in 1954. Following his retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively, enjoying many cruises throughout the world. John was preceded in death by an infant son in 1950, by his wife Hughlette B. Burma in 1952, daughter Susan B. Huntoon in 1970, and by his wife Dorothy Ann Burma in 2004. He is survived by his son-in-law, Dr. Peter Huntoon of Boulder City, NV; nephews Dr. Robert Timm of Ukiah, CA and Jim Pulley of Breckenridge, MO; nieces Jackie Hallier of Kansas City, KS and Janice Hopkins of Plymouth, CA. A memorial service will be held in Kingman Chapel at Claremont United Church of Christ on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 2:00 PM. Todd Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations to Claremont United Church of Christ Congregational are requested.