James Philip Buriak

1990 - 2021

James 'Jimmy' Philip Buriak

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – James "Jimmy" Philip Buriak was born on May 9, 1990, he passed away as the result of a U.S. Navy helicopter crash in the Pacific Ocean August 31, 2021.

Jimmy was a Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd class AWS2. He grew up in the small town of Salem, Virginia, where he graduated from Salem High School and Roanoke College. Jimmy joined the Navy in January, 2017 and served as a rescue swimmer assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight (HSC-8) "Eightballers." Jimmy was known as a hero, rescuing a tourist swimming in Gun Beach, Guam, in February 2020. When interviewed he said, "I would like to think regardless of who it was, they would have done the same. Someone said they needed help, and anyone would do the same in my shoes."

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Megan Diane Buriak; son, Caulder Buriak; parents, James Buriak and Carol Buriak; sister, Laura Buriak; and brother-in-law, Erik Zickefoose.

Jimmy loved his family more than life; CrossFit workouts; his truck; his dog, Ava; being outside; and the ocean. His favorite things were to play with his son, Caulder, and cracking jokes with his wife. While he may be gone, his memory will live on forever through those who have had the honor of being graced with his presence.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to assist the family and can be found at https:/www.gofundme.com/f/aws2-james-buriak?qid=f9a725d6ee53c5a3a1eddd761f760025