James P. Buriak

1990 - 2021

AWS1 James P. Buriak

May 9, 1990 - August 31, 2021

AWS1 James Philip Buriak, USN, 31, of Salem, passed away when his helicopter Loosefoot 616 went down off the coast of San Diego, Calif., where he served as a naval aircrewman rescue swimmer (AWS) with HSC-8.

Jimmy was born on May 9, 1990, in Salem, Va. He graduated from Salem High School, Roanoke College in 2012 and joined the Navy in 2017. He spent time training in San Diego and Pensacola before being assigned to HSC-8 in Coronado, Calif. He deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt for two back-to-back tours and multiple detachments before departing for the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Jimmy was an uncommon man. He held qualities that could not be given but rather earned. He was an exemplary dad who loved his son, not only a husband but a soul mate to his wife, a beloved son and brother. Jimmy was an avid crossfitter who would put your endurance and strength to task. He prided himself on physical fitness and being able to not only protect his family, but others if needed. The best example of his courage, heroism, and ability to live up to the motto "So Others May Live" is when he got his first save at Gun Beach, Guam on February 8, 2020, while off duty and earned the Navy Commendation Medal. Jimmy loved his family and lived every day like it was his last. He held his friends and family close and built memories that will last a lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Megan; son, Caulder Philip; parents, James, and Carol Buriak; as well as his sister, Laura and brother-in-law, Eric Zickefoose.

Jimmy lived by these rules for success: 1. Do the work, don't be lazy. 2. Stop waiting, it is time. 3. Rely on yourself, the universe doesn't care. 4. Be practical, success is not a theory. 5. Be productive early. 6. Don't be a baby, life is hard- get on with it. 7. Don't hang out with halfwits. 8. Don't waste energy on things you cannot control 9. Don't be a people pleaser. 10. Don't do the same thing over and over and expect things to happen.

"Those who have enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." Franklin Roosevelt

Jimmy will be escorted in procession on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from Charlotte, N.C., back home to Salem. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences can be made by visiting the funeral home's website, www.johnmoakey.com.