James Burgoon

James P. Burgoon, age 79 of Cleveland Hts., OH. Loving husband of the late Joella Burgoon; dear father of Linda, Harriet, Margaret and Martha; beloved grandfather of Philip, Laura, Conrad, Ellis and Grier; dear brother of Denis. James Philip Burgoon Jim was the first born of two sons to James Albin Burgoon and Helen Viola Lettrell and raised in Brecksville, Ohio. His younger brother Denis was born a year later. Jim graduated from Brecksville High School in 1950, attended Purdue University and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. Jim also earned an MBA at Wharton School of Business. He worked as an engineer for several companies Sohio, Diamond Alkali Co, Diamond Shamrock before rejoining Sohio/British Petroleum. He retired as Vice President of Long Range Planning for BP America, representing the company in national discussions on oil production, alternative fuel sources and long range planning in Washington, D.C. He met Joella Decell in 1958 through a mutual friend, and they were married on August 15th, 1959 in Mississippi. They lived in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, raising their four daughters and were involved in many community activities. Theirs was a great relationship of mutual respect and of intellectual challenge to one another. They worked together in business endeavors and enjoyed each other's company in their leisure time. Her passing 10 years ago was an enormous loss to him. With an engineers' analytical mind, and a zeal for figuring things out, Jim was always involved in many projects. Jim loved woodworking and created fine furniture and clocks. He was involved in computing, and relished being around to see the computing era transition from huge computer mainframes that took up vast space to perform simple tasks, to the advent of the iPad, a handheld personal computer that could connect one to the world. He enjoyed working around the house, doing renovations and working on cars. He was a single engine licensed pilot. He was an avid reader, and at times read multiple newspapers in a single day. He was always current on politics and events, both local and national. He continued to read the New York Times daily until his death. His apartment was a treasure trove of articles and ads from the Times, saved for their importance, as reference, and to share with others he felt might take interest in the subject matter. Jim and Joella had four daughters: Linda, of Natick, MA, Harriet Warren Miskell, of Damariscotta, ME, Margaret, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio and Martha Ben Parish, of Wildwood Crest, NJ and W. Hartford, CT. He has 5 grandchildren: Philip James of Cleveland Heights, Laura Katherine and James Conrad, of Natick, and Ellis and Grier of Damariscotta. He encouraged all of his daughters to excel in academics, music and their careers. With Joella, who worked as a nurse, bookstore proprietor and in politics, they served as role models of community activists and were invested in important issues of the times. Jim loved music, and infused it into his day-to-day life. He played the clarinet in high school, and loved the many styles of music to which it lent itself jazz, big band, classical. He enjoyed opera and through his weekly watching of the Met simulcasts, he introduced the experience of the opera first to his daughters and ultimately to all of his caretakers. He loved classical music and thoroughly enjoyed going to hear the Cleveland Orchestra, whether at Severance Hall or at Blossom Music Center. Jim was particular about many aspects of conduct in life, and rarely left much room for indecision and incivility. His strength of character and strong will carried him through many physical challenges. He overcame an amputation, extensive spinal surgery and a series of small strokes. Throughout his life, he pursued what was most important to him: family, enjoyment of music and intellectual endeavors. Jim/Dad will be missed greatly and always be remembered as the consummate teacher and connoisseur of the finer things in life. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 14th at Brown-Forward, 17022 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Hts., OH. FRIENDS MAY CALL ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE SERVICE.


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