James Edington Burger

James E. (Jim, Jimi) Burger passed away unexpectedly at his home in Riga, Latvia, August 31, 2014. Born in Richland, WA, November 17, 1953, he graduated from Richland High School, and earned bachelors degrees in Mathematics and Chemistry, and a master of science in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Washington. He worked for several years in research and development at Battelle NW Labs, Microsoft and Fred Hutchinson, before moving to Umea, Sweden to earn his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Umea University. Dr. Burger became internationally respected as a pioneer in Chemometrics, a new field combining analytical chemistry with computer science. He was owner of BurgerMetrics, SIA, and had developed one of the first mass spectrometer and computer software systems for collecting and analyzing hyper-spectral images. He marketed, built and maintained the system at various labs throughout Europe. Jim loved animals, gardening and nature, especially the mountains and oceans. His beloved dogs were his constant companions. He was a great hiker and fisherman. He also loved art, and was an excellent potter, photographer and woodworker. His love for music ranged from classical to the Who, with a little jazz blues, Jimi Hendrix and Beatles thrown in.

Jim is survived by his son Jeffrey K.S. Burger; father Leland L.Burger; brother Harold L.Burger (Dona); sister Virginia L.Burger Tracy (Robert); and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his mother D. Eleanor Burger. He will be truly missed.

Please sign the Seattle Times online guest book. Any stories and pictures will be enjoyed and appreciated.

A memorial is planned for Saturday, May 30, 2015, 5:00 pm, in Bellevue. Call (206) 696-1950 or [email protected] for information.

Donations can be made to the Seattle Mountaineers Club, PAWS, or the Humane Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on May 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Burger

Sponsored by The Family.

8 Entries

Jean Albaugh

September 18, 2017

I just heard of Jim's death while attending our 45th high school reunion. The news took my breath away. I am stunned and saddened. Jim and I were often in the same classes growing up. He was one of the brilliant minds to come out of Richland, Washington. He was such a kind boy growing up. I remember Jim and his sister, Ginny, drove from Seattle to Richland to attend my mother's funeral in 2009. Our mothers had been friends and Ginny was a friend of my brother. Jim. I was so touched by their kind gesture. It was good to see them both. My sincere Condolences to Ginny and the rest of the family members. I'm sure you miss him dearly. I'm so sorry. Jean Albaugh

Michael Cravatte

May 23, 2017

Just discovered that James is gone. It is so sad and shocking news for me who have known him in Riga and have worked on the design of his spectral imaging projects with him. My biggest condoleances. My discovery happens several years after his sudden and unexpected death and my condeleances are very and deeply sincere. I really liked James who was not only a client but first a friend and a great human! May his legacy survives him! His professional and also his kind at heart one! I remember he told me about the death of his beloved dog and I read that news now. My legs are cut. What an exceptional person is gone!

Al Al

August 31, 2015

Please take to heart what Jesus tells us at Matthew 11:27,28 "All things have been handed over to me by my Father "_ _ _ "Come to me, all you who are _ _ loaded down and I will refresh you. YES , we find strength through him.

July 27, 2015

Dear Burger Family, I just found about about Jim's passing. I send my fondest thoughts to all of you. Jim and I had Skyped several times over the past several years. I will miss his humor and caring attitude. Kathy Osborne Spirtes

Sally & Warren Jewell

May 29, 2015

We will always remember Jim's cerebral, thoughtful and playful company as part of the UW Haggett crowd. He was a reliable devotee of The Who and kept in touch with us as he shaped entrepreneurial ventures around the world. Jim left us far too soon, but his legacy will live on through his family and the people he mentored along his interesting journey. Sorry we won't be there in person to celebrate his life!

Chuck Hanson

May 29, 2015

I will remember Jim as a great guy with a good sense of humor who always was willing to help someone out. We attended the University of Washington together and if it wasn't for Jim I probably wouldn't have passed my photography course. I will always be thankful for Jim's kindness.

Steve Albert

May 25, 2015

We had a lot of good memories from McCarty and Haggett Hall. Thanks for bringing me in on the Greenlake house, those were really good years.

Gary Burns

May 24, 2015

Did Jim go to Ballard High School?
What is the name of his first wife?

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