James Arthur Burdette

James A. “Jim” Burdette, 86, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away, Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Somerford House. Born April 16, 1936, in Gaithersburg, son of the late Earl Hamilton and Marjorie (Nicholson) Burdette. In his early years he won the 1948 Frederick City Soap Box Derby Championship. Jim graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1955, where he excelled on the high school basketball team and other sports and played trumpet in the band. He also enjoyed spinning records at school dances. He apprenticed and became a Master Electrician working at the David Taylor Model Basin, in Carderock, MD. He ran his own electrical business part-time throughout most of his life while working for Fairchild Space & Electronics Co. and Orbital Sciences Corp. in Germantown, MD, retiring after more than 30 years as an Environmental Test Technician on programs including ATS-6, Landsat, Hubble, A-10, F-14 and many others. Jim was ‘that guy’ that could fix literally anything. He was a lifelong Redskins fan. He enjoyed bowling with his brothers at their bowling alley, Damascus Bowling Lanes, playing pool, road trips, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, playing games and spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching his grandkids at school, sporting and band activities. He possessed amazing patience, a wry smile, and enjoyed passing his knowledge along to others at work and at home. He was the kindest, friendliest person, and never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cecelia (Stout) Burdette, sister Marjorie May Carter of Rockville, son Cullen Burdette and wife Terri, daughter Tina Mussolino and husband Jeff, grandsons Nick and Tony (Brittany) Mussolino, as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Dash, Jace, and Levi Mussolino, and step great-grandchildren Eva & Julian. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert Lee, Harry Hamilton and Earl Leroy Burdette. At Jim’s request, no memorial service will be held. Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, and online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.