James Champlin "Jim" Burbank

1923 - 2021

Mystic - James Champlin Burbank passed away Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, after nearly 98 years of a full and satisfying life devoted to family, community and country. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Laura Lee Wiley Burbank, in 2009.

"Jim" was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1923 to James Archer Burbank and Helen Champlin Small Burbank. After growing up in Scarsdale, N.Y. and West Hartford, Jim graduated from the Kingswood School and studied at MIT and Trinity College.

Jim enlisted in the army for World War II, and after boot camp in Texas, received special training at the Drexel Institute of Technology for land mine clearing and defusing. He served in the European theater in the 84th Infantry (Railsplitters Division). He was in the Battle of the Bulge and was part of the first group of occupation forces into Berlin. He was awarded a Bronze Star. When the war ended, he studied for one year at the Sorbonne prior to repatriation.

Upon his return from Europe, Jim took a position in Portland, Maine at his family's wholesale grocery and canning business, Twitchell Champlin Company. In 1947, Jim married Laura Lee Wiley, whom he had met in West Hartford. They lived in the Portland area where their first son, Leland, was born. When the family business was closing, Jim accepted a job with Electric Boat Company in Groton, in 1952. Moving to southeastern Connecticut, they soon welcomed a second son, Scott, and their daughter, Bettina. They enjoyed their Mystic home for over 50 years.

During 36 years at EB, Jim started in the planning department, but spent most of his career as an administrative engineer. He was directly involved in the Nautilus submarine program, went on one of its early sea trials and later contributed to the recertification of EB's license to handle nuclear material. In addition to his other responsibilities, Jim served many years as EB's coordinator for the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and eventually on its board of directors.

Jim's drive to help the community began in Maine and flourished during his life in Mystic. His exceptional planning skills and knowledgeable leadership benefited innumerable organizations and individuals. Jim was deeply involved in the planning and fundraising for several major building projects in the community, including the relocation of the Mystic Community Center, an addition to the Mystic & Noank Library and the expansion of the Mystic Art Association. He was tirelessly dedicated to the MAA, through long Board service and a hands-on approach to many of their projects. He was recognized by the State of Connecticut for his contributions to the arts. As a member of the Mystic Congregational Church, he supported its Hispanic Education Committee scholarship fund and program.

Attuned to the needs of others, Jim frequently acted behind the scenes, often independently and anonymously, to provide food, clothing, or financial assistance to individuals. He instilled in his grandchildren a passion for giving back and modeled ways in which to help others.

Jim was well known in Mystic for his photographic skills, being the unofficial photographer at church and winning an award for his "Arctic Gull" photograph from the MAA, where he was an Elected Artist Member. Jim documented significant events in Mystic including The Great Mystic Fire of 1960 and supplied these photographs and others to the Mystic Historical Society.

Boating was a constant theme and activity for Jim, as indicated by his early nautical drawings and paintings. Although he had a lifelong interest in powerboats, he and Laura Lee mostly owned sailboats, their last a 30-footer which they sailed to Block Island, Cuttyhunk, Martha's Vineyard and Shelter Island. Jim and Laura Lee enjoyed memberships at Mason's Island Yacht Club and Ram Island Yacht Club. He was Commodore at MIYC in 1968 and was among those who planned and oversaw the extension of the seawall which facilitated the relocation of the tennis courts.

An overall love for woodworking and tinkering grew out of Jim's early interest in designing and building model boats and planes. There were always projects underway in the house, on his boats, or for friends. He could not do these without having many tools and a vast supply of hardware on hand. Jim's engineering abilities and Yankee ingenuity gave him the knack to fix or modify anything, and fix, modify and improve upon he did!

Above all, Jim valued his family and supported them in their activities and life events. He designed individual projects to work on with each child and grandchild, often as gifts for others. Jim and Laura Lee's doors were always open to family, for a meal, a birthday party, or just an afternoon visit. All the family enjoyed Jim's sense of humor and were amazed how long he maintained his quick wit.

The couple's move to StoneRidge senior living community in 2005 happened just as Laura Lee started to experience health issues. Jim lovingly provided around-the-clock care for her for several years. As Jim's own health began to decline more recently, the family was grateful for Leland, who willingly and selflessly cared for his father, especially as family visits became restricted in 2020. Jim's family thanks Seniors Helping Seniors and all those who helped keep Jim comfortable and provided assistance to him.

In addition to his wife, Jim was predeceased by his sister, Marian Bailly; and brother, John Burbank.

Jim is survived by his children, Leland Burbank, Scott Burbank (Terry), and Bettina Burbank (Paul Kirshen); and grandchildren, Sean Burbank (Elena Braun), Kolleen Burbank (Evan MacCarthy), Andrew Kirshen (and family), Leland Kirshen and Xander Kirshen. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is missed dearly.

To honor Jim's commitment to the community, a needs-based scholarship fund is being established in his name at the Mystic Museum of Art (formerly MAA) for art classes for local students. Donations may be made to the Mystic Museum of Art, 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355 for the Jim Burbank Scholarship Fund. If you prefer, please donate to a food bank in your community.

A more complete obituary can be found at http://www.dinotofuneral.com.