Jerome "Jerry" Burkett

Jerome (Jerry) Burkett, our precious husband, dad, granddad, brother and friend peacefully went to be with the Lord in late January 2025.

Jerry was born in Jacksonville, Florida eighty-five years ago. He lived many places from Anchorage, Alaska to Panama Canal Zone in his growing up years. Jerry graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in electrical engineering and retired from the U S Navy. His civilian career was as a telecommunications engineer in North and South Carolina.

Jerry lived a life of varied interests and many hobbies. He was devoted to his family and his faith and took care of other’s needs before his own. His hobbies included film photography, camping, electronics and buying and selling gear for all of the above. Jerry could find a great deal on anything anyone might need and delighted in sharing his finds. Over the years the Burketts camped all over the country, first in tents then pop-up campers then a small RV. Jerry loved the journey more than the destination and said road trips and train trips were better than flying because getting there is half the fun. He lived his life full of curiosity and adventure and welcomed the unexpected surprises along the way.

Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Phil and his sister Sara. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia, sons Charles (Christine) and Joseph (Amy), sister Jeannette, grandchildren Willow, Zoe, Gabe, Mary, Lucy, Jerome, Trey, Keyo, Belle, Clay and Keenan, great grandchildren Ursula, Cora Rose, Eliza Mae and Kier and honorary sister Mary Esther.

Jerry, as usual, had everything squared away at his death. He left a detailed list of contacts, passwords, where to find things and other pertinent information for his sons in the event of his death or the deaths of both he and Patricia. He ended his list by saying, “We love you guys!!!!! Don’t be sad- we’re with Jesus!!!”

Jerry will be interred in North Carolina at a military cemetery in a private family service. Any memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice.

Jerry will be remembered for his smile, his love and care of his family, his honesty and integrity, his kindness and generosity and his faith. He was a good husband, a good father and a good man. He is greatly loved and is greatly missed.