James William Burgei Sr.

JAMES WILLIAM BURGEI SR. James William Burgei, Sr., age 92 of Mio, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. James was born in Ottoville, Ohio on July 17, 1932, to William and Margaret Burgei. Jim left Ottoville, Ohio in 1949 at 17 years of age. He settled in Mount Clemens, Michigan where he lived for a time with Fred and Evelyn Ferney, whom he considered as his second parents. At the age of 18, he served honorably in the US Army during the Korean War. After completion of his military service, he worked on the Great Lakes, shipping freighters until 1955. More than anything, Jim loved the company of friends, spending time together hunting and fishing. Far and above, one of Jim's greatest passions was working as a tree climber, which he was able to do well into his sixties. He also loved spending time working on boats in his spare time. In 1966, he became a husband and later a father to 5 children: Jeanette, Michelle, James, William, and Kristen. In 1976, Jim moved his family to Mio, Michigan with the purchase of a small home where he lived for the rest of his days. In 1988 James and his wife Katherine divorced. James is survived by his children: Jeanette Shire, Michelle (Tom) Colvin, James Burgei, Jr., William Burgei, and Kristen (Justin) Walker; his grandchildren: Elise (Anthony) Quintana, Megan Shire, Zoe (James) Mallon, Quinn Colvin, Arcaudia Burgei, and Eve, Luke, and Wayne Walker; and his great-grandchildren: Naomi and Cassondra Quintana. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Jerome Burgei and several other family members. Visitation on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, Mio, Michigan with Rev. Santiago Hoyumpa as Celebrant. A private interment will follow at Luzerne Cemetery, Luzerne, Michigan. These arrangements were handled by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.