James Leslie Burgess

Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, James Leslie Burgess; Who was affectionately known as “Tweety” peacefully fell asleep in death on December 25, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of his home when he passed. James Leslie Burgess was born on December 10, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Samuel Lee Burgess and Daisy Mae Burgess (née Williams). He was the sixth of nine children, with siblings Ernestine "Ernie" Monk, Mary Lou Green, Essie Jackson, Joseph "Joe" Burgess, Phillip "Ikey" Burgess, Calvin "Rock" Burgess, and Lorraine "Margie" Scriber, all of whom preceded him in death. Raised in East Baltimore, James attended Douglas Senior High School in the Baltimore City School system. After high school, he worked in various jobs throughout the community until he was drafted into the United States Army. James served as an Army medic in Houston, Texas, from 1963 to 1965 and received an honorable discharge. Following his military service, he worked as a salesman and learned the art of making men’s hats at Rodman’s Menswear and Hat Store. On September 16, 1973, James married the love of his life, Myrna Mae Burgess (née Waters), and together they blended their families, raising son Zachery Epps and daughter Janell Burgess. James was a dedicated family man who loved providing for his loved ones. A natural with his hands, James developed a self taught passion for home maintenance and plumbing, eventually founding Byrd Maintenance with Myrna. As a successful entrepreneur, he managed numerous contracts across Maryland for 20 years before retiring. James had a deep love for sports, especially the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles. He always tried to attend the Orioles games, particularly on Opening Day. Recently after leaving an Orioles game he asked Janell, “Do you think you can get some Ravens tickets?” Just four days before his passing, Tweety was able to attend a rival game where the Ravens defeated the Steelers. James also enjoyed playing quarterback and first baseman for Buc's Bar in his younger days. He cherished spending time with his Tidewater 15 crew, fishing on their boat, and attending family gatherings. In his free time, James delighted in cooking Lake Trout, eating crabs, and watching westerns. He was known for his love of music, especially oldies, and was often heard singing his favorite songs by Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, and especially “My Girl” by The Temptations. He loved spending time with family, playing dominoes, checkers, and shooting pool, and never failed to impress during a game of spades. James will be remembered for his big heart, generosity, kindness, quiet temper, humility, and unwavering love for his family. A man of peace, he believed we all have a responsibility to bring joy and peace to the world around us. His absence leaves a void, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife, Myrna Burgess, Daughter, Janell Burgess, Honorary Son, Zachery Epps, Brother, Charles “Chucky” Burgess, Grandsons Justyn Epps (Courtney), Devyn Epps, Aaron Epps, Granddaughter, Sydney Richmond, Great Grandchildren DeAndre Little, Monet Hamilton, Isaiah Johnson, Justyn Epps Jr., Diondre Haney, Jordan Epps, Jasyn Epps, Zyien Epps, Jayla Epps, Zayden Epps and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Tributes

James Leslie Burgess

December 10, 1939 - December 25, 2024