James “Jim” R. Burgett, 87, of Beardstown, died Thursday, October 7, 2021 at his home.

The graveside memorial service at Beardstown City Cemetery for Jim has been postponed until further notice. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.

He was born December 31, 1933 in Beardstown, the son of Carl Henry and Kathryn Viola Spoon Burgett. He married Norma Rebman on August 26, 1954 in Beardstown and she preceded him in death on January 3, 2008.

He is survived by two daughters, Patty (Tom) Guy of Union City, TN and Pamela (Allen) Warren of Camden, TN; seven grandchildren, Traci, Ryan, Nicki, Tyler, Troy, Lindsey and James; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Carol) Burget of Beardstown and Jerry (Peg) Burget of Beardstown; one sister, Dorothy Riggall of Lakeland, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Sandra Lea Benker and Carl Jerry Burgett; one brother, Thomas Burgett (surviving wife, Judy of Beardstown) and one sister, Blanche Long.

Mr. Burgett was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean War. He started working for C B & Q Railroad in 1962 and retired, as a foreman, from Burlington Northern Railroad in 1983. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beardstown and Beardstown American Legion. He enjoyed genealogy and was an avid walker. He was a true patriot, having won an award for flying the American Flag proudly. Just a few of his life lessons were to be kind and respect your country.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sagerfuneralhome.com. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.