Name: Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin
Address: Jacksonville, FL

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a man passionate about his industry, with a quip on his tongue and a caring heart. I will always remember him as the man that made me feel like 'one of the gang' when I felt lost at my first FAHU meeting. He will be truly missed.

Jim was an active member of the Class of 1961 at Eau Claire High School in Columbia and attended most of our every 5 year reunions. It was always good to see him again. We will miss him in 2016.

Anne, I can only imagine the depth of your grief. Not many of us experience the gift of such a great man, as father, husband, business associate and friend. He'll be dearly missed by those in the health and life insurance industry and never forgotten. He truly was a special man that we're all fortunate to have known.  

My prayers are with you and your beautiful family that you'll soon find comfort knowing Jim is at peace.

Although I only knew Jim for a short time, he still made an impact within my career.  His love for the insurance industry and devotion to NAIFA was abundant. He will be missed!

Thinking of you all. Lots of love and prayers being sent your way.

Jim will truly be missed, he was alway there to help others and I personally always enjoyed seeing him at Fahu events and sharing a story or two. RIP my dear friend.

Dearest Ann, I am so sorry to read this tonight.  Jim was a very special person, and I loved reconnecting with him at the St. Vincent's class and you two at Mandarin at lunch.  You shared such a passion for life together and had a wonderful love for each other.  God's Grace, I am sad with you but he isuffers no more in his heavenly arms of Jesus.  .My love to you dear Ann.

Dear Ann & family:  Sure sorry to hear that Jim passed away.  I know you and your family will miss him greatly as will his many friends, including myself.  He was truly a fine gentleman.  My sympathies.                  Dan Senecal

We are very saddened to hear of Jim's passing.  Life is but a fleeting moment in the eyes of the Lord, eternity is what we need to be preparing for.  He will be missed very much!

May the God of all comfort, comfort and strengthen the family during this difficult time.

I adored Jim from the first time I met him.  What a humorous and friendly person to be around.  That he was a HUGE Gamecock fan is an understatement.  A toast from one of those Steve Spurrier bottles of wine would be appropriate to celebrate his life.  RIP Jim.  You are missed...

I have had the pleasure to know Jim and his family since the late 60's. We worked together with the same company for many years and he was a true friend. We both moved around into several cities during our working years and developed a close friendship. Jim was always willing to help in any way as a friend and in our insurance industry. He will definitely be missed by all those who were fortunate to have known him personally and benefited by his professional dealings and great sense of humor. From me and Barbara, our hearts are heavy in this loss.  Ann, Michael and the rest of the family, we send you our thoughts and prayers and know that the memories of him will bring you comfort and peace. Rest in peace "Bucket" (my friend).

Ann,I was saddened to hear of Jim's passing.  Although we have never met in person, I feel like I know you from from your friendship with my daughter Carol and her husband Matt.  I have heard many fond stories about Jim and you from them. I know Jim will be greatly missed by friends and especially his family.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers.  I pray for peace and comfort for you now and in the days ahead.  May God bless!

Jim was a good friend and business associate for many years. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace my friend. Ann, may God be with you.

Dear Ann and Family,
   I only knew Jim as a business associate but I will always remember his willingness to help and kind words of support. My condolence to you and family. God Bless!!!! 

Sincerely,
Jay Wood Jacksonville, FL

I tried my best to "Gatorize" Jim, but he was true to his school.  His Gamecocks even stole our "ole ball coach".  We have all lost that special big brother.  

With deepest sympathy,

Blaine and Tina Tillis

Jim is a great friend.  When you need a friend he was always ready with a positive attitude and a warm smile.  Jim and Ann you are very special and will be near and dear to my heart.  I am very saddened with Jim's passing.

Peace and strength to Ann, and family. Jim will truly be missed as a friend and mentor. A drink raised for you, may you rest in Peace!

Ann, we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good man.... I genuinely appreciated his council and friendship. He changed peoples lives because  of the value of the the insurance that he provided to his clients. If a man's life is judged on how many people are better off because of that man... Jim is in the  Hall of Fame of life. May  God Bless you and your family.

I am so saddened to hear of Jim;s passing. He was a good friend and I will sincerely miss him. My prayer go out to his family..

Jim Burkett always smiling....always taking the positive approach...
On Friday afternoons I will think of Jim when I enter the local Publix
ran into him and Ann most Friday's.  No matter what life brought to Jim
there was the smile and welcoming attitude.  Jim will be missed by many.

With a sad heart, I offer condolences to Ann, the Burkett family, friends and colleagues on Jim's passing. He leaves us a lasting legacy of a great man, committed to serving his family, friends and industry colleagues. It was an honor to have worked with him. My prayers for peace and comfort go out for all mourning this loss.

So sorry to hear this. Jim and Ann have always been there to answer my questions throughout the years. Jim was so involved in the Insurance world, not only here in Jacksonville but all over the state. My condolences go out to Ann and the  family as well as those who worked with him. May he rest in peace and they find comfort in their memories. He will be missed. - Mary Malouin

Our prayers are with Ann and the family.  Jim was a very dear friend and the life insurance industry will greatly miss him.  Love , Pris and Tom Boyd

My condolences to Ann, her family and the staff.  Certainly there is a void created in Jim's passing, but the memories of such a man will always tend to fill that void.  May God continue to wrap His loving arms around you and your family during this time of sadness.

My heart is sad at his passing but I know
he will be in heaven when I get there.  He was a good friend and met him at every life meeting we attended.  He was a great leader for our industry and 
a good ce facilitator. he will be missed. God will hold him in the palm of his hand. Jim was passionate about his clients & willing to share his experiences.  His family supported him
and they will need our caring support.

Jim Chitty - State Farm

I am deeply saddened by Jim's death. I had the pleasure of seeing Jim at FAHU board meetings and other events and it was always a pleasure to be around him. May the Lord grant his loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear his loss and grant Jim eternal rest.

Jim was such a major part of the FAHU world!  Thank you for educating all of us through the years.  We will miss you greatly!  May light perpetual shine upon him!  Many prayers for Ann and their family.  Marilyn Stenger, FAHU President

Jim, you will be greatly missed! Always willing to share his expertise and wisdom. Mentor, volunteer, educator and friend. Enjoy driving your red Corvette down those streets of gold until we meet again on the other side! Thoughts and prayers to Ann, Michael, Amy and Tristan, Mikey, Elizabeth and Kayley and the extended family.

The world is a little less brighter today, my friend and mentor of 30 years is no longer with us.  To Ann & Michael and family, our deepest sympathies and condolences to you.  May you find a peace and comfort in knowing that Jim is now at a peace that knows no limits and there is no more suffering.  To try and find the words of how Jim touched our lives, those special moments, those defining times in a person's life, would all but be impossible, as there is simply not enough room or time to even contemplate all of those lives he touched.  I will miss my friend and our discussions, and I am thankful for the wisdom and direction that he shared with me and so many others.  May God Bless you and keep you and your family....  Lou, Katrina, & Margaret Ann

Jim was always willing to help and provide us with the knowledge we needed to be professionals in our industry. He will be missed, and never replaced. God Bless Jim and his family.

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Jim personally, but I thank God for his tireless effort to improve our industry. I thank God Almighty for Jim and his life and ask Him for courage, comfort, peace and assurance to and for his family. Jim is now basking in the full Glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at His banquet for him.

Ann,
Everone is thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Jim freely gave so much of himself  to the insurance industry, his clients, his friends and his family. He truely will be missed. He was a good man, unique and I will  remember him that he always did it his way.

I loved to call Jim MY Curmudgeon. He always spoke his mind and let me know if I was screwing up.  I didn't mind one bit, that was Jim and I will miss him a lot.
He served FAHU and JAHU with his heart.  All my love to Ann and the family.  Tonight I will have a glass of wine in Jim's honor.

Jim was always ready and willing to help. He gave his best every day to his clients, friends and family.  FAHU will miss him.  I will miss him.  My heartfelt sympathy to Ann and family.

Jim, thank you for all that you did for FAHU and JAHU, you will be missed by many.  God Bless your family.

I'm so sorry to learn of Jim's passing.  You have my deepest condolences.

Wow
Jims been the example of the ethics we all should be practicing. You'll be missed friend.

Jim did countless hours of great work for FAHU education CE's and taught me so many things about setting up courses. He will be greatly missed.

Jim was a great asset to FAHU, his community and the insurance industry.   I had the pleasure of serving with Jim in the FAHU board for several years.   I always enjoyed his company and he will be missed.

Jim will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.  My deepest sympathies go out to Jim's wonderful wife Ann and family.

My sincerest & heartfelt condolences to Ann and their family. He will certainly be missed by so many of us in the Insurance Industry! May He Rest in Peace~

We will miss Jim's participation with FAHU. He was dedicated and had a passion for keeping our school going. Sending good thoughts your way during this sad time, Ann.

Sincerest Condolences. He was a leader in insurance education and will be missed. It was an honor to have known him.

My deepest condolences to Ann and the Burkett family.   Though it has been many years since we worked together, I always think of Jim when I visit the Jacksonville area.  I just assumed he would always be there.  I enjoyed working with him in his capacity as a General Agent and as the FAHU Education chair when I was a struggling local chapter president needing assistance.  Jim was a wonderful, knowledgeable professional who always had a story to tell or wisdom to impart.  He will be missed by all.  My prayers and sympathy to those that loved him and called him friend.

"Rest in Peace Jim"
                                Allan McCall, Sarasota FL

Jim was a fine Man,highly respected in the community and Industry. He was very good to me back in the days as a rookie Rep. He was  my instructor and a very good one when I received my LUTCF designation years ago. 
I know Jim loved life and people and even though we did not see him much over the years He was very impressionable with a genuine warm Spirit and Wit! He will be missed by many I am sure and I am blessed and thankful to have known Him. Its people like Jim that keep our industry wholesome, professional and most importantly personable and necessary !
God rest your Soul Jim, Thanks for all that you did while you were here !
It was certainly not in Vain..  Mike Farah, Jax. Fl.

I can not even begin to tell how saddened I am about Jim's passing.  He was such a blessing to me during so many different times in my life.  He was gracious and kind, he counseled and gave advice as if I was his own daughter.  He was very passionate and concerned about his clients, the insurance industry as well as agents.  He was a teacher of knowledge and was always willing to share.  All of this with a wonderful and supporting wife beside him, loving their work together.  I will forever miss you.  Love to you Anne and the rest of the family.

I've known Jim for over 46 years.  He was always a friend through thick and thin.  He worked hard every day of his life, even on his days off.  He had an amazing array of talents and gifts, there was nothing he couldn't do.

OBITUARY

James L. Burkett Jr.

July 9, 1943 – April 20, 2015

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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