Burgess, James Elmer

James Elmer Burgess, 55, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, April 19, 2012. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Monday at Stonebridge Church, 1829 Stoney Point Rd. SW. The Rev. Randy Scheil will officiate. Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Cathy; his mother, Cleo Sternberg and husband Jesse; his sister, Susan Burgess; his children, Curt Burgess and wife Tanya, Nick Burgess, Elizabeth Burgess, Michelle Phelps, Bob Doubek and wife Jessica, and Amanda Zahn and husband Josh; a brother, Steven H. McDaniel; his grandchildren, Tyler Burgess, Hanna Burgess, Cody Burgess-Wells, Jackson Burgess, Carly Burgess, Thomas Wallander, Blake Mosely, Damieon Black, Emilee Stambaugh, Logan Waddell, Jazmynn Zahn, Morgan Doubek and Bobby Doubek; and a niece, Sara Burgess. Also surviving are aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Jesse Burgess; a brother, Rick Burgess; a sister, Donna Jo Burgess; and his first wife, Mary Burgess.

James was born July 28, 1956, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Cleone Becker Burgess. He married Cathy Fernandez on Jan. 18, 1998, in Cedar Rapids. James was a conductor for the Crandic Railroad for 28 years in Cedar Rapids and was a 30-plus year Kung Fu master.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; his dog, Zues; traveling on his Harley Davidson motorcycle; and listening to rock n' roll.

He was always willing to help people and was a friend to all who met him.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Published April 22, 2012 in The Gazette