James “Jim” Burgess

Dr. James Burgess, 72, of Wexford, PA, passed away on November 20, 2023, with his wife Bernadette by his side.

Born on September 4, 1951 in Niagara Falls, New York, to the late James F. and Mary Esther Burgess.

He was the beloved husband of Bernadette Burgess and loving father of James and Julia Burgess.

Jim was the eldest of his siblings; Thomas (Mary) Burgess, Barbara Burgess, Carol Goldman, and Mary (Dr. Scott) Dean.  Jim was also brother-in-law to Toni Leosewski, Joseph Hadobas, and Donna (Dr. Larry) Brown.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jim attended both Marshall University, and West Virginia University.  After his schooling, he completed his neurosurgery residency at UPMC and SUNY Buffalo. He initially worked at INOVA Health System in Fairfax, Virginia and later accepted a position at AHN in Pittsburgh. Jim also received his Master’s Degree in Medical Management in 2017 from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jim loved his career and was always interested in finding new ways to improve surgical techniques and patient outcomes.  His dedication is what allowed him to review grants for the NIH.

Jim also founded Carmel Therapeutics with some of his colleagues at CMU. He developed and taught a Surgical Techniques course for Bio-Medical Engineering students at CMU as an adjunct professor. He also created an Astro Surgical Tool with colleagues that was tested through NASA in a zero gravity C-9 aircraft.

Beyond his smart and inquisitive nature, Jim was funny and quick witted. He loved to explore nature through both running and hiking. He also loved classical music, particularly German Opera. However, his main joy in life was being able to spend time with his family.

Jim was truly one of a kind. He will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him

A memorial mass will be held on January 5, 2024 at 10:00AM at St. Stanislaus Kostka, 57 21st St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Donations may be made in Jim’s name to Doctors Without Borders or The Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements were entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, Robinson Township.