Joseph Burgess

JOE BURGESS Click here to view Joe's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Joseph Charles Burgess, 67, of Idaho Falls, died February 24, 2009, at his home of natural causes. He was born September 4, 1941, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, to George Sinclair Burgess and Mary Elizabeth Norton Burgess. He grew up Massillon, Ohio, and graduated from Perry High School in 1959. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Akron in Ohio, and then obtained his Doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He later earned a law degree at Ohio State University. He has lived in Buffalo, New York, Santa Clara, California, and Pocatello and McCammon, Idaho, Columbus, Ohio, and Idaho Falls. He married Ginger Nye September 4, 1963, in Massillon, Ohio, and they were later divorced. He married Barbara Smith March 17, 1979, in Racine, Wisconsin, and they were later divorced. He was a professor of philosophy and English at universities in New York, California, and Idaho. Teaching was his first love. After he earned his law degree he worked in Idaho Falls and McCammon and served as Assistant District Attorney in Idaho Falls. He then worked at Anderson, Pike, & Bush in Idaho Falls and taught at ISU until his retirement. His students referred to him as “Dr. Joe.” He served as an Acolyte at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Massillon, Ohio, for many years. In his youth he was active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned his Eagle Scout Award. He enjoyed writing poetry and had his photography and writings published in literary journals. He enjoyed sports cars and liked to drag race. He was an avid animal lover, was a Junior Champion of the NRA, and collected coins. In his later years he really enjoyed the computer. Survivors include: Son: Charles Norman Shaver, Houston, TX Daughter: Brigitte Barbra (Jamie) Sanow, Idaho Falls, ID Son: James Joseph (fiancée Amanda) Smith-Burgess, Pocatello, ID Sister: Helen Carr, Keller, TX Sister: Patricia (John Shelley) Burgess, Shaker Heights, OH He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 270 North Placer. Following the services there will be a gathering for family and friends at a location to be announced in Friday's Post Register. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Norman Nye Scholarship, University of Akron (Ohio) College of Engineering, 302 Buchtel Mall, ASEC 201, Akron, OH 44325-3901, or Amnesty International, 5 Penn Plaza – 16 th Floor, New York, NY 10001. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Kate Danielson I had your father as a teacher. I will always remember his love of poetry. He left me with many good ideas and memories. Patricia Woolf vpwoolf@msn.com I worked with Joe when he was practicing law in Idaho Falls. He was the most marvelous man but, of course, you know that. I loved the pipe and the humor. He will be sorely missed by a great many people. Joe was a man for all seasons. There wasn't anything he couldn't do and wasn't interested in. The world is a poorer place with the passing of Joe. Gina Smith angel27@cableone.net To all who loved Dr. Joe, This is a great loss to all who knew Dr. Joe but imagine the fun he is having now. He was a wonderful teacher and made you look deep inside your thoughts. His stories were both amazing and funny. If you were lucky enough to take a class from him you were blessed. He is probably correcting my grammar right now. Enjoy your journey Dr. Joe. From two thankful students, Kim and Gina Smith