James Burnham Obituary

Burnham, James Douglas, age 80, left this world on Friday, September 6, 2024, surrounded by loved ones who reported that the last expression on his face was just as he lived his life with a smile. Doug was born in Cullman, Alabama on March 24, 1944, and is survived by a brother, Ben Burnham (Donna) of Denver, CO; a sister, Belinda Tarpley-Sottung (Sherri), of Lexington, KY; two nephews, Jim, and Tommy Burnham; a long-time friend, Bret Martin; and a host of cousins and dear friends. Doug's interests included but were not limited to gardening, dancing, acting, the theater, traveling and spending time making memories with the friends that he cherished so much. People who knew him talked about how he cared about people all people and that he was always involved in any crusade or project to ensure fairness and equality for all. He never met a stranger and had friends all over the world. He believed in his heart that we all were put here on this earth to take care of each other and bring the best out of others. Although he had Parkinson's, he never let it change who he was and even with the challenges that come with that struggle, he kept a positive attitude, and his unselfish heart kept him active helping others. He graduated from McArthur High School in Broward County, Florida and appeared in the 1966 edition of Who's Who Among Students from Alabama College. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Alabama College in Montevallo, AL as well as a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama. Doug went on to be a Professor of Anthropology, Sociology and Social Work at Eastern Kentucky University; receiving many accolades over the years including the Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, being the last representative of the college to receive this award. Doug was also a central figure throughout the lifetime of Syncopated Inc's early existence. At one point he was the President of the Board of Directors and cared deeply about the survival of the organization. But his reason for being there was the relationships he had with other dancers and the opportunities he had there to contribute as a Performer. On stage, Doug was elegant while hilarious, debonaire while throwing caution to the winds, ALWAYS playful and ALL IN, no matter what dance persona he was wearing, whether on the Opera House stage, dancing in the Empty Swimming Pool Dance, tap dancing through Woodland Park as part of the Tap Dance Parade, or doing the cakewalk. He also was the coordinator of Kincare Training at the University of Kentucky after his retirement from EKU. So much of the work he did and was so enthusiastic about was working with grandparents raising grandchildren and was an integral part of the creation of Safe Places for children. Although he never had any children of his own, he was loved by so many whose lives he touched and, in many cases, changed for the better. Doug was admired for his creativity and initiative that brought the Public Child Welfare Certification Program to Kentucky. All who had the pleasure to know him and/or work with him were captured by his kindness and sincere interest and passion for all students. Doug possessed a unique ability to inspire others and ignite a desire to learn and find their greatest potential. His wisdom, intentional listening and compassion created a haven for students to grow. Many students benefited from the unwavering support, mentorship, and insightful guidance that he offered. Among his other accomplishments, he took great pride in being named an official Kentucky Colonel by Gov. Julian Carroll in 1979. He also shared in the history of the local non-profit AVOL Kentucky in the early days when everyone involved contributed on a volunteer basis, helping other community leaders to ensure that people were never hungry or alone. Frontrunners running organization was also a passion of his and he received their very first legacy award. He also was the recipient of a Lexington Fairness Award and was also named in the Queer Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Burnham and also his mother, Jackie Elam. Visitation will be 10am with services following at noon Saturday, September 14th at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 East Main (Lexington, KY 40507) with interment in the Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made in his honor to AVOL Kentucky or to the Lexington Pride Center.