Obituary of James Burgess

Niskayuna - James Francis Burgess, formerly of Maxwell Dr., passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born a Christmas baby on December 25th, 1931 in Albany; he was the son of the late Frank and Helen (Fuchs) Burgess. He graduated high school from Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in Albany in 1949. At CBA, Jim was on the rifle team and was quite a good shot. At least that's what he told everyone. Jim continued his education at Siena College graduating with a dual degree in chemistry and physics in 1953. He then attended RPI and received a B.S. in chemical engineering in 1955. While at college he was a proud member of the Army ROTC program. He completed his master's in chemical engineering from RPI in 1960. In 1955, Jim was hired for a job at General Electric in Schenectady. In a company bowling league, he met the love of his life, Mae Chylak from Olyphant, PA, and they married November 17th, 1956. After a year at GE, Jim had to complete his two-year commitment to the Army, and he was assigned to Ft. Bliss in El Paso, TX. He was a first lieutenant and sharp shooter during his service to our country. While in Texas their first child, James Jr., was born. After two years in Texas, they moved back to Schenectady to resume his career at General Electric. Their other three sons, Robert, Stephen and David were born there. He spent the majority of his time at the GE Research & Development Laboratory in Niskayuna. He spent over 40 years at GE and was immensely proud of his contribution to over 30 patents while working for GE. Jim was an avid Boy Scout volunteer. He started as a Cub Scout Cubmaster and continued his scouting journey as Scoutmaster of Troop 31 in Niskayuna from 1975 to 1988. He earned his Wood Badge as a member of the Boblink. Also, he was a Silver Beaver Awardee and a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. Jim was very proud of all the National Boy Scout Jamborees that he attended. We think it was nine in a row, often serving as the Scoutmaster for the local Twin Rivers Council. In the latter years, he volunteered to work as a Jamboree Camp staff member. After retiring from Troop 31, he took on many volunteer jobs in Scouting for the Twin Rivers Council. Jim served as the Camping Committee chairman for many years. He was also a Boy Scout Camp inspector traveling all over the East Coast inspecting Boy Scout Camps to ensure safe conditions. He served on the Council's Executive Board until the end. Jim loved volunteering; he spent over 25 years as a member of the Niskayuna Conservation Advisory Council. He was also a SPAC volunteer usher for 28 years. Jim continued his love of target shooting into his 80s. He was a member of the Watervliet Fish and Game Association. He was a frequent face at their member meetings and competed on a regular basis in both rifle and pistol target shooting. He was a member of the four seasons walking group. He loved boating on his outboard Putt Putt on Lake George and camping on Uncas Island across from Glen Island. Playing Bridge was one of his passions. Jim played in many bridge clubs around the area. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mae (Chylak) Burgess, who stayed by his side until the end. Jim had four boys, James Jr. and his wife, Charlotte of Providence, RI, Robert and his wife, Karen of Louisville, CO, Stephen and his wife, Reba of Fort Walton Beach, FL and, David and his wife, Carol of Queensbury, NY. He had eight grandchildren, John Burgess, Hannah McCann and her husband, Owen, Christopher Burgess, Joshua Burgess, Adam Burgess, Evan Burgess, Daniel Pierce and his wife, Gwen and Josiah Pierce and his wife, Marisa. There were also, two great-grandchildren, Emily and Noah Pierce of Maine. He was especially close to his sister, Mary Ellen White of Albany and her husband, Tom Pottenburgh of Hudson. There are many nieces and nephews. Funeral service Saturday morning 8:15 from the Daly Funeral Home Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady and 9 a.m. at St. Kateri Tekawitha Church (Union St.) where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours Friday afternoon, 4 to 7 in the evening at the funeral home. Interment Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jim's name to Boy Scouts of America Twin Rivers Council (Camp Boyhaven), 253 Washington Ave. Ext, Albany, NY 12205.