James Powell “Jim” Burkhardt, 83, of Waycross, passed away early Monday afternoon, May 4, 2026, at Satilla Bluffs Senior Living in Blackshear.
Born in Cincinnati, OH August 14, 1942, he lived in Georgia as well as Florida most of his life. He was a 1961 graduate of Talladega High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served his country for 35 years. Following his retirement from the military, he worked in finance with the S & S Loan Company. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, who will always remember his steady presence, his love of a good book and the simple joys he found in a Coca-Cola, a Moon Pie and time spent with those he loved most.
He was a son of the late Rev. Clarence William “Shorty” and Helen Armstrong Burkhardt. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ophelia Reid Burkhardt and by his three fur babies who he was looking forward to seeing again, Spade, Dusty and Gracie.
Survivors include his daughter, Sharon Burkhardt Lyerly, New York, NY; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Jessica Burkhardt and Jim and Melanie Burkhard, all of Waycross; two sisters, Mary Bennett and Linda Lampkins, both of Kentucky; his brother, the Rev. Bill (Brenda) Burkhardt of Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Jimmy (Melanie) Burkhardt, Kenny Burkhardt, Michael Burkhardt, Mariam Burkhardt, Chandler (Reiley) Burkhardt, Jaylyn Mincey and Jordan Treakle; three great-grandchildren, Joshua Chancey, Sadie Chancey and Adilynn Burkhardt; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Beal and Jimmy Burkhardt officiating.
Memorialization will be by cremation.
The family would like to thank the staff of Satilla Bluffs, especially Emily, for the love and care shown to him during his time there.
Memorials may be made to cancercare.org using EIN 13-1825919.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is honored to serve the Burkhardt family during this time.
