Obituary of James Arthur Burgan

James Arthur Burgan, 81, of Columbus, KS passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Medicalodge of Columbus. He was born on August 3, 1937 at Skidmore, KS to James David and Zelma (Bearden) Burgan. Jim grew up and attended school in Cherokee County graduating from Columbus High School in 1956. Following high school Jim served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. On October 19, 1956 he was united in marriage to the love of his life with Collette Marie Thompson at Miami, OK. Following their marriage they made their home on their farm north of Columbus where they raised their children Lisa Ann and James Fredrick. During his high school years Jim delivered milk for Page Milk Co., and worked at the DX Gas Station. After his marriage he worked at B.F. Goodrich Tire Co. in Miami, OK for 10 years. In 1968 Jim and his father built a shop in Scammon and started Burgan Construction and Excavating which Jim operated for 22 years. During this time Jim demolished several buildings in the area including a Bank in Columbus salvaging the marble columns that he placed on the porch at their home. In the 1970's he started the Cherokee County Land Fill which he operated until the 1990's. Jim was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Columbus, American Legion, and Columbus Jaycee's. He coached his daughter's softball team for many years, enjoyed fishing, vegetable gardening, tinkering with locks and keys, and repairing tools because they were too valuable to through away. But is greatest joy was spending time with his family especially Collette, Lisa and Jimmy. Survivors include his daughter, Lisa Savage and husband, Terry of Fort Worth, TX; three grandchildren, Nolan Savage, Travis Savage and Danielle Savage all of Fort Worth, TX; two brothers, Robert "Bob" Burgan and wife, Mary Pat of Columbus, KS, and Jon Burgan and wife, Cheryl of Hudson Oaks, TX; one sister, Deloris Brown and husband, Robert of Columbus, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James Fredrick Burgan on December 24, 1987; his wife, Collette Marie Burgan on April 13, 2019; and one brother, David Burgan on February 25, 2001. A Rosary Vigil Service will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Jeremy Huser officiating. Burial will be at St. Bridget Cemetery in Scammon, KS. Friends may call on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Columbus, KS. Memorials are suggested to St. Bridget Cemetery; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.