James William "Jimmy" Burgess

James W. “Jimmy” Burgess, 74, peacefully passed away on February 25, 2025, to be with the Lord. He was born on April 23, 1950, to Alberta and Elbert Burgess Sr. in Toledo, Ohio. 

A 1968 graduate of Libbey High School, James went on to attend Bowling Green State University School of Design, where he studied Art. During his time there, he had the honor of exhibiting his work in BGSU's first Black Artists Exhibit at the University Union. He also served as President of the Black Student Union and was a member of the Bowling Green State University Gospel Choir, which recorded two albums with Savoy Records in 1972 and 1973. James designed the album covers for both records, which lead to him becoming a graphic Illustrator for United Sound Recording Studios (Groovesville Label) for a couple years after. Throughout his life, James was a true jack of all trades, working as a Chef, Mechanic, Carpenter, and Architect. His artistic talents eventually led him to the aviation industry in Dallas, Texas, where he worked as an Aircraft Interior Designer at Associated Air Center INC. for several years. He collaborated with various companies and private owners on the design and layout of their aircraft interiors.

James had many passions, but none more than his art. He began developing his artistic skills as a child, attending classes at the Toledo Museum of Art . His work was featured in the Toledo Museum of Art’s Toledo Area Artists Exhibition, where critics praised it as “a marvel of construction” and “Trompe-l’œil” (French for "deceives the eye"). James received numerous awards for his art, including the Israel Abramofsky Award from Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim at the 1986 Toledo Area Artists Exhibition.

Outside of his artistic endeavors, James had a deep love for the Lord and would talk and preach about his faith often to whomever would listen. He was a lover of nature, at home you could find him spending time to set up bird feeders and scatter seeds and nuts for the birds and squirrels. James was also an avid cook and cherished time spent with his family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edward Burgess and Albert (Donna Preceded in death by) Burgess Jr., sisters Vickie Reynolds and Deborah Burgess, brother-in-law Clinton Cooper.

He is survived by his siblings Sylvia Cooper and Sterling (Kay) Burgess, nephew James Burgess (his primary caregiver), nieces Cherisse Burgess and a host of other nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, family and many beloved friends.

The family will receive guests for a memorial service on Friday, March 7th, at 1:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900).