James J. Burkhardt

WAPPINGERS FALLS - James J. Burkhardt, 74, an area resident formerly of Croton-on Hudson, died on July 7, 2025 at his home.
Born on April 5, 1951, in Brooklyn, James was the son of the late Elizabeth (Kabak) Burkhardt and James J. Burkhardt. He proudly served in the Army National Guard prior to his career with the NYPD. Jim retired from the NYPD as a Detective, a career in which he took great pride.
In 1982 he married the love of his life Geraldine O'Donnell, whom he affectionately called "Ger". Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years. He is also survived by his children, James Burkhardt and his wife Francesca and Kathryn Zerello and her husband Anthony; his grandchildren, Cecilia, Giselle, Nicole and Emily Burkhardt and Juliette, Vincent, Manny, and Alice Zerello; his sisters, Mary Beth Dillon and her husband Terrence and Eileen Kaplan; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was deeply loved, and he will be greatly missed by all those who were blessed to know him.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim aka "Mr. Burkhardt" enjoyed fishing, hunting, and all the shooting sports. He was an NRA Instructor, President of the Northern Westchester Rifle Association, and a longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 36 in Montrose, NY. He was dedicated to teaching others, especially youth, about the outdoors, including camping and survival skills as well as shooting and firearm safety. He could often be found on the Hudson River or the Long Island Sound in his boat the "Cap't Billy" fishing, hunting geese, and waterskiing with his children, friends, and in later years his grandchildren. He loved the outdoors and shooting; but his true passion was sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the outdoors with others.
People were drawn to him for his generosity. He was particularly generous with his time. He was always willing to help anyone in need; no ask was too great. Jim dedicated his life and time to children. He was a man with endless patience, he spent much of his time teaching kids life lessons you can't learn in school, like the importance of integrity, loyalty and hard work.
Jim's personality was larger than life and his presence could fill any room. He had a wonderful ability to tell a story and could often be found with a captive audience listening intently to stories from his childhood in Brooklyn, his time as a police officer, and his travels with his wife and children. More than anything, he was a family man and in his final years, his grandchildren were the light of his life, he treasured them and there was no prouder grandfather.
In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his beloved sister, Kathleen Ryan.
Funeral services will be private at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. Please visit Jim's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.