Jimmie Stephen Burgess Jr.

Jimmie Stephen Burgess Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and man of faith, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2024, in Garland, Texas. Born on December 24, 1939, in Moultrie, Georgia, Jimmie was the youngest of eleven siblings, growing up in a large and loving family in rural South Georgia farming tobacco and various crops. His birthday, shared with Christmas Eve, made the holiday especially meaningful, as it was always a time to gather family and celebrate both his birth and the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas was particularly special to him, as he treasured the time spent with family celebrating both occasions.

After graduating from Moultrie Senior High, Jimmie proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Navy. His 21 years in the United States Navy instilled in him the values of service and dedication, which he carried with him throughout his life, including teaching fellow sailors’ the skills required to complete their GED. Following his twenty-one years of service, Jimmie went on to study Master of Arts in Teaching Science Education at the University of Texas, Dallas. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a Design Support Engineer at Texas Instruments Inc. and then Raytheon, while also giving back to his community by serving faithfully in his church, The Heights. This also included free community ESL classes to help others learn English.

A devout Christian, Jimmie’s faith was the foundation of his life. He served as a deacon and led Sunday School Bible studies, joyfully sharing his love for scripture. Jimmie had a natural ability to befriend everyone he met, always offering a kind word, a listening ear, or a good story. Whether through his time spent gardening, fishing, or serving his community, Jimmie left a positive impact wherever he went. His garden was a place of peace for him, where he nurtured life, much like he did with the people around him.

Jimmie is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Burgess, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, and by his three daughters, Diane Morrow and her husband Steve of Fort Worth, Texas, Andrea Hartgraves and her husband Troy of Sachse Texas, and Melissa Burgess of Denton, Texas.  He is also survived by grandchildren; Nathan Hartgraves, Amy Morrow, Michael Hartgraves, Philip Morrow, Payton Bryce, Daniel Hartgraves, Clarissa Bryce and Nicholas Bryce; and great grandchildren Rowan Hartgraves and Millie Kay Hartgraves, all of whom brought him immense joy.

Jimmie’s strength of character, unwavering faith, and ability to make friends with ease will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7

A celebration of Jimmie’s life will be held on September 25th with a viewing at 11am and Celebration of Life service at noon at The Heights church in Richardson, Texas. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend. In a private ceremony Jimmie will be buried at the DFW National Cemetery on September 26. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Union Gospel Mission Dallas.