BLACKSHEAR — Mr. James “Jim” Powell Burkhardt, 83, of Waycross, passed away early Monday afternoon, May 4, 2026, at Satilla Bluffs Senior Living in Blackshear.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 14, 1942, Burkhardt lived in Georgia as well as Florida most of his life. He was a 1961 graduate of Tall adega High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country for 35 years. Following his retirement from the military, he worked in finance with the S&S Loan Company.
Burkhardt 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” Burkhardt and Helen Armstrong Burkhardt. He also was preceded in death by his wife, Ophelia Reid Burkhardt; and his three fur babies — Spade, Dusty, and Gracie — he was looking forward to seeing again.
Survivors include his daughter, Sharon Burkhardt Lyerly of New York, N.Y.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Jessica Burkhardt and Jim and Melanie Burkhardt, all of Waycross; seven grandchildren, Jimmy (Melanie) Burkhardt, Kenny Burkhardt, Michael Burkhardt, Mariam Burkhardt, Chandler (Reiley)
Burkhardt
Burkhardt, Jaylyn Mincey, and Jordan Treakle; three great grandchildren, Joshua Chancey, Sadie Chancey, and Adilynn Burkhardt; two sisters, Mary Bennett and Linda Lampkins, both of Kentucky; his brother, the Rev. Bill Burkhardt (Brenda) of Tennessee; along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A funeral service was held May 9 from the Pearson- Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Beal and Jimmy Burkhardt officiating.
Memorialization will be by cremation.
Family members would like to thank the staff of Satilla Bluffs, especially Emily, for the love and care shown to their loved one 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 was honored to serve the Burkhardt family.
