"My father was Aunt Julia Ann?s younger brother, thus I am a niece, by marriage, to Uncle Jack. Growing up on the west coast, then the east coast, we all saw each other much less than desired, but the memories I do have of the times we were together are wonderful! My Uncle Jack was the epitome of a true southern gentleman, kind, soft spoken, but always wise way beyond his years. When he did feel the need to lend his voice, everyone tuned in to hear the often dry humored, soft spoken wisdom. He always reminded me of President Theodore Roosevelt?s saying of ? speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.? The exception to this saying being that, my Uncle never needed to carry a big stick, he was that respected, and not out of fear. I don?t recall him ever raising his voice, not once. I have many memories of my visits, Six Flags, PuttPutt, Ranger Games, Rodeo, Stockyards, fishing out back, Christmas, Neighborhood Pig Roast, many dear memories! One of my clearest and fondest memories was when my Aunt and Uncle took my sister, cousin Jackie (all 3 of us aged within 15 mths of each other) and I to dinner at The Spaghetti Warehouse in Ft.Worth and then the Ft. Worth Water Gardens at night. Armed with a balloon artist magician?s hats and swords from the Warehouse and too much carb energy from the pasta, we were some energetic young teen girls in the car and at the Water Garden. (actually probably really embarrassing, loud, obnoxious and annoying, pretty atypical of the 3 of us, as we ?Star Wars?ed with our balloon accessories to any passer bye?s as well as at the Gardens, that I?m sure would of had my own father telling us to knock it off!) My Uncle Jack, as well as my Aunt, said nothing and just let us be silly kids as we worked off all the carb energy. I now have my own family of 3 grown boys, who we thankfully were able to take and visit my Uncle and Aunt a few times when they were younger. Although many years have passed since their visits to Arlington, mention my Uncle Jack and they all have beyond fond childhood memories that they immediately start sharing that I would classify in a ?The Man, The Myth, The Legend- (Great) Uncle Jack!? type memories! My youngest, Trysten (as you can see from his post below, who was almost 4 the last time he saw Uncle Jack), and I really enjoyed the memorable, just before bed, bowls of ice cream advocated and conducted by my Uncle! My Uncle Jack was a great man and my Aunt Julia Ann picked VERY WELL. My heart breaks for her loss now, as they were literally the perfect couple together that complimented each other through each of their amazing, accomplished lives! May you all enjoy and find peace in your loving memories of Uncle Jack! "
In loving memory of
Jack Gilbert Burgen, Jr.
December 1, 1933 - May 19, 2020
DUE TO CORONA VIRUS RESTRICTIONS, THE FAMILY WILL HAVE A PRIVATE GRAVESIDE SERVICE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE AN ONLINE CONDOLENCE OR REACH OUT BY PHONE TO SHOW YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME.
Jack Gilbert Burgen, Jr. was born December 1, 1933 to parents Gilbert and Jane Burgen (Gebhard). He grew up in Dallas with younger brother Carl, and attended North Dallas High School. At the forefront of the electronic revolution, Jack graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. That same year, he married Julia Ann Sanford. Together they had three daughters, Judy Aschner (husband Henry), Jenny Chapman (Barry), and Jackie Chase (Bob), six grandchildren (Erin, Eric, Jane, Austin, Katie, and Emma), and three great grandchildren (Liam, Sarah, and Henry). After graduation, Jack soon joined the initial missile group at Cape Canaveral as part of the U.S. Air Force, advancing from Second Lieutenant to Captain during his USAF service. Jack developed data transmission technology, initially focusing on achieving transfer rates of 3,000 bits per second in order to support voice communications.
After leaving the Air Force, he joined Texas Instruments and was awarded a contract to support the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, CA on the first interplanetary (Mariner) space shot, which traveled to Venus. Jack founded a successful company, Electronic Instruments Inc., which eventually was purchased by Teledyne GeoTech. The design of small electronic data packages for space flight transitioned to applying those principles to instruments used down deep boreholes in oil and gas exploration, leading to the next phase of his career, with Gearhart logging company. In addition to attending the Harvard Graduate Business School in this period, Jack travelled extensively worldwide promoting logging tools with real-time data transfer technology, including trips to the USSR and China in the iron curtain days, (also Malaysia and India) long before such access was normalized. He also got a pilot Plane license and would fly Julia and Judy and Jenny sometimes. He also worked for MCI at the end of his working life making many trips to Ireland to help them with operations there.
After a long and successful career, Jack enjoyed relaxing at home during his retirement with his wife Julia dotting on him and greatly loved by his family. He and Julia liked to camp and even backpack in Colorado and later would still travel to many National Parks. His brother said he even did some spelunking in his twenties and was with a group when one big cave was discovered. He liked classical music and going to the symphony as well as enjoying a bowl of ice cream with his daughters and grandkids while watching an old movie. He had a wonderful long life and he will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife Julia, his brother Carl Burgen (New York) and his children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren too.
Tributes
"Jack was such a kind soul. My most fond memories are eating Giant bowls of Cookies and Creme Ice cream in the late hours of the night as a young boy. Wish we could have in depth conversations about his entrepreneurial mindset and spirit. ~Trysten McLaughlin"
"So sorry for your loss. May wonderful memories bring you comfort during this sad time. Worked with Mr. Burgen at Gearhart he was a good man. "
"the Viewing of the funeral service is available at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/860406037 10am"
"Dear Julia, Jenny, Jackie, Judy and families, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Jack will be remembered for his outstanding achievements, as a loving, devoted husband and father and a loyal friend to many. Thank you for sharing the photos and video. They are a wonderful tribute to Jack! God bless and comfort you! "Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow." ---Robert Louis Stevenson"
"Dear Julia--I am so sorry to learn of your loss of Jack. I hope you remember me---Doland maner"
"Julia, Judy, Jenny, Jackie, thank you for the photos and video. They so capture the Jack G Burgen that George King and I knew beginning almost 60 years ago through Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Farmer's Branch, right across the street from your house. Much love to you in the midst of your loss. We treasure the friendship still."
"Dearest a Julia, and a Jackie, Jenny, and a Judy and families. My deep condolences on the loss in your lives. The tribute you have created in the obituary, pictures, and video are lovely. I pray that you will be comforted during this time when his absence may seem too great and that his love for all of you will remain deeply embedded in your hearts."
"Julia, so sorry to learn of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for your comfort and peace as you go through this most recent change in your life. Nancy Bennett"
"Dearest Julia, I am sorry to hear of your husband's death. He certainly lived an awesome life. He was 25 days older than me. I have over the years heard of your accomplishments and I see now that you were both blessed with very productive lives. I am sorry to hear of the loss of someone dear to you and many others. Blessings, Deedie Day (Friend from almost 50 years ago.)"
"My father told the greatest stories. I had so many wonderful days sitting on our dock by the lake laughing as he?d tell one funny story after another. True stories. He just had a wonderful way of seeing the humor in situations and telling it to others. I?ll miss you dad. I hope I carry a bit of your spirit in me. "