John L. "Jack" Burgess

3/4/1928 – 2/22/2017

“….I’ve got my love to keep me warm”.

The tale of Jack & Mary Elaine Burgess is a love story that we do not see enough of these days. Born in 1928, to John LeRoy & Lady Rebecca, Jack grew up in McMinnville, OR where he played trumpet in a local swing band and ran the 100 yard dash in 10 seconds flat.

He served his country in Korea and went to Linfield College on the GI Bill.

Here he met his soon to be wife of 66 years Mary Elaine Erickson.

Much of their courtship took place in the hospital where Jack spent 14 months recovering from tuberculosis. They wrote love-letters to each other EVERY night. Yes, EVERY night!

After college, the two of them moved to Everett where they soon married and went to work at the family furniture store, Erickson Brothers. It still operates today on Broadway. Jack later opened his own furniture store (Dever’s) in Monroe.

The wedding was on September 9th of 1950.

Together they raised 5 children: John (Darlene) Burgess, Jan (Jon) Fortier, Jim (Dixie) Burgess, Mary Jo ”MJ”(Todd) Benner & Matthew Burgess.

They spoiled 8 amazing grandchildren: James “JJ” & Kyle Burgess - Katie, Benner - Jeremy, Jason and Jordan Mooring - Kanoe Holasz - Haley Fortier and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant child, Gregory and his younger brother, Sid Burgess of McMinnville.

Jack is survived by his wife, Mary Elaine; their children, Don & Pat Erickson and the Jim & Joan Erickson family.

There were countless family adventures on the shores of Tulare Beach or the ski slopes of the Cascades. Many summer days were spent in an old boat fishing, sailing or water-skiing.

The church was important to Jack. He & Mary Elaine attended First Baptist of Everett where they served in several leadership positions.

In later years, this amazing couple loved to travel. Some of their favorite trips included: Sweden, India, North Africa, The South Pacific, Italy, The rivers of Europe, and of course Hawaii. Nothing topped Hawaii.

Jack could often be seen driving his beautiful 1929 Model A Ford that his wife gave him for their 50th wedding anniversary.

If Heaven has a Model A Club, Jack is already the official greeter.

Among the many organizations he belonged to were:

• Moon On A (Model A Club)

• Mukilteo Kiwanis Club

• SAM (Senior Adult Ministry)

• First Baptist Church

• PAL of the Assistance League of Everett

• Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at Linfield College

The memorial service will be held at 1pm on his 89th birthday, Saturday, March 4 at First Baptist Church of Everett, 1616 Pacific Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church or The Assistance League of Everett, WA.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day— 2 Timothy 4

Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home, Everett, WA.