James Alvin Burgett, 88, of Greenwood, IN passed away Monday, December 12, 2022 at Greenwood Village South peacefully after a long battle of failing health.

He was born on August 22, 1934 in Greenwood, Johnson County, Indiana to Paul V Burgett and Gladys L (McClain) Burgett.  He married Martha Sue Plummer on May 22, 1955 at Rocklane Christian Church in Greenwood, IN, she preceded him in death February 10, 2022.

James was a 1952 graduate of Clark High School as well as attended Milligan College where he played Basketball and Baseball. He was a lifelong member of Rocklane Christian Church where he taught adult Sunday school classes and served as leader, deacon, elder, and other areas of service as well as sang in the choir.  He was employed by Pepsi, followed by various sales positions after having back surgery and retired from ACE Battery in Indianapolis after several years as Sales Manager.

He loved researching genealogy and documenting the history of his community, school, church, and family. He enjoyed Indiana Basketball, and most any sport, especially when his children or grandchildren played, and he attended every game he could to cheer them on. He loved spending time with family and supporting all their activities and events. He loved ice cream and could always find an occasion to enjoy it. He was a great sounding board and prayer partner for his children, grandchildren, and extended family especially his nieces and nephews who were very close with their "Uncle Jim".

He was faithful in encouraging many in his church family as well as anyone finding themselves in his presence who needed a helping hand or help finding strength in the LORD.

Survivors include his five children Keith Andrew Burgett (Boots) of Greenwood, IN, Joy Annette Wheeler-Smith of  Audubon, IA (Brian Wheeler) of Greenwood, IN, Douglas Matthew Burgett (Susan) of Flat Rock, IN, Rebecca Sue McPeak (Johnny) of Whiteland, IN and Elizabeth Ann Calo (Steve) of Greenwood, IN, grandchildren Sara Maciak (Matthew), Melinda Britt (Donovan), Chad Burgett (Dawn), Daniel Wheeler, Jonica  Sherwood (Ryan), Jaimie Babinec (Gabe), Abigail Hageman (Jack), Laura Wheeler, Joshua McPeak (Ashley), Brooke Calo, Emily Bailey (Austin) and Kristan Calo (Justin Bush). Great-grandchildren Emmanuel, Asher, Lezlea, Anthony (Payton), Cooper, Mason, Daly, Andrew, Samuel, Devane, Nolan, Griffin, Garrett, Haley, Leah, Warren and Reid. Great-great-grandchildren Nova and Brooks, and many nieces and nephews he loved as his own.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Martha Sue Plummer, Parents Paul V. Burgett and Gladys (McClain) Burgett, his father and mother in-law Earl W. Plummer and Helen (McClain) Plummer, a grandson Kelly James McPeak, a brother Paul E Burgett, and sisters Lois Breedlove-Groves, and Ruthann Kamstra.

Pastor Seth Amerine will conduct a service on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com .  Friends may call Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 4PM until 7PM at the mortuary and Thursday from 9:30 AM until service time at the mortuary.  Entombment will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, IN.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Rocklane Christian Church, 4430 East Rocklane Road, Greenwood, IN 46143 or at www.rocklanechristian.org .

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com .  Information at 317-738-0202.