Dr. James K. Burks

Dr. James K. Burks, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and esteemed physician, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025. His life was marked by a profound dedication to medicine, education, and his family, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by many.

Dr. Burks earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Technological College, graduating Cum Laude, received his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. His commitment to learning and excellence led him to complete Endocrine Fellowships at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, and Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology.

Dr. Burks dedicated 15 years to private practice in diabetes and endocrinology in Dallas, Texas, before embarking on a distinguished 28-year career at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Odessa, Texas. He held various esteemed titles, including Associate Professor and Professor of Medicine, Regional Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine, and served as the Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program and the Endocrinology Fellowship Program. His contributions to medicine were recognized with the honor of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement from TTUHSC in 2022.

Dr. Burks’ career was marked by his passion for teaching and his commitment to his students. He earned multiple professional achievements from TTUHSC such as the Dean’s Distinguished Faculty Service Award, Dean’s Clinical Teaching Award, Excellence in Teaching Award, Best Teaching Faculty Award, Best Teacher Awards, and induction into the Teaching Academy. National recognition includes the ACGME Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award, and election to The Gold Humanism Honor Society in recognition of exemplary service, integrity, clinical excellence, and compassion. He was a charter member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and belonged to various professional organizations including the American College of Physicians and American College of Endocrinology.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Burks served the US Public Health Service and contributed to the National Institute of Health as a dedicated physician.

James found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often accompanied by his faithful black German Shepherd, Gunther. He enjoyed playing with Gunther, cooking, gardening, camping, fishing, archery, scuba diving, photography, and maintaining tropical fish.

Dr. Burks married the love of his life, Mary Burks, in Dallas, Texas, in 1983. Together, they built a loving family, including sons Jason of Austin, TX; Brian Wilson and wife Heather of Indianapolis, IN; Andrew Burks and wife Melissa of Konawa, OK; and daughters Lisa Chapman and spouse David of Allen, TX, and Ashley Burks of Midland, TX. He is also survived by his brother Roger Burks and wife Patti of Dallas, TX, as well as 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvie Burks, mother Adelaide Burks, and brother Dr. Joseph Burks.

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Burks will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Ellis Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, reflecting Dr. Burks' enduring care for others.

Dr. James K. Burks will be remembered for his hard work, unwavering commitment to medicine, his love for his family, and his passion for life. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.