Jack Burgess II Obituary

Columbus - Beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and bandmate Jack Douglas Burgess II died at the age of 65 on December 28 after a short illness. He is fiercely missed.

Jack was born in Columbus, Ohio on October 1, 1959. A Walnut Ridge High School and Columbus State Community College graduate, he worked for the State of Ohio in various Information Technology positions, retiring as a Database Analyst in 2017.

Jack married Mary Ellen (Pugh) Burgess on the beach in Negril, Jamaica on April 18, 2000. He is also survived by his father Jack Douglas Burgess I and stepmother Kathleen Burgess of Chillicothe; brother Robert Burgess of Columbus; sister Elise Burgess (Jeremy Phillips) of Columbus; Alan Burgess (Jen Trumbo) of Maine, uncle Lovell "Lew" Lewis (Diane) of Fairborn; brother-in-law David Pugh and his wife Sherri of Inglis FL; many cousins in both the US and England; numerous relatives and friends, and Woody, Bob and Debbie, his feline friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother and biggest fan, Margaret Annette (Lewis) Burgess.

Jack's love of animals was reflected in his support of Cat Welfare, The Gentle Barn animal rescue, and Elephant Aid International.

Jack was a passionate and prolific multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and singer throughout his life. He brought an encyclopedic knowledge of rock history, finely tuned ear and taste, and singular musicianship to solo and collaborative work, including skillful production and vibrantly-garbed performances, most recently with local bands The Neal Show, The Everlasting Happiness, and The Donna Mogavero Band. He loved to travel, especially to see bands throughout the US, Canada, and England. His life's great adventure was hosting a trip for friends to record at the venerated Abbey Road Studios to mark his When-I'm-Sixty-Fourth year.

Jack's "Magic Basement" was a candy shop of a rehearsal space, with all the pop-culture tchotchkes and musical gear an artist could dream of, recalibrated and relabeled before every session in a private ritual his bandmates now see as love.

Jack spent his final days as he spent his life: filled with friends, family, philosophy, shared concert films, and music, in the care of his beloved Mary. He was at peace at the end, reserving bittersweet tears for her as he reflected on his life and called her "the best decision I've made."

Special thanks go to Zusman Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care for Jack and his family. Per Jack's wishes, in place of a funeral, a Celebration of Life will be held at Natalie's Grandview, 945 King Avenue, on March 8, gathering at noon with live music and tributes to follow. All are welcome.

Jack's beloved Beatles recorded together for the last time together at Abbey Road Studios, where Jack fulfilled his lifelong dream. They sang: "And in the end, the love you take / Is equal to the love you make." The love that Jack takes with him is measured in endless music.