James Patrick Burgie
James ‘Jim’ Patrick Burgie, 63 of Charlotte, a quiet man with a great sense of humor, died November 18, 2020. Jim was born in Battle Creek on March 17, 1957 to Robert and Mary Ellen ‘Meg’ (Gibbs) Burgie, one of seven children. Growing up with a large family, Jim learned to stand out in a crowd with his athletic abilities during high school. From 1973-1975, he earned many awards and recognition in football, baseball and wrestling, and continued through college and is a member of the Hall of Fame there. A 1975 graduate of Charlotte High School, Jim then went on to Olivet College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
Jim was a rock for his family. A humble man, Jim could be counted on and would eagerly jump in to help whenever he was able. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially opening day of deer season with the boys. Jim also enjoyed traveling with his family. He continued his passion for sports his entire life, even making trips to Notre Dame and Green Bay to cheer for his favorite teams. Jim met his wife while working at A & E Hoover, and then later worked for Flex-n-Gate in Battle Creek for 12 years until his retirement in 2019.
Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sheila; sons, Brian (Heidi) Sutton, Jason (Angelina) Sutton, Jared (Jenny) Sutton, and William (Mandie) Burgie; two granddaughters, Skyler and Emma Sutton; siblings, Sue (Frank) Dunham, Tom (Lyn) Burgie, Mike (Jan) Burgie, Peggy Mrowca, Mary (Byron) Baumbach, and Terri Waterman; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service, from 1-2 p.m. at St. Mary Church. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will also be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jim’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jim on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.