Obituary of James E. McBurney

James E. McBurney age 88 of Rome NY was surrounded by his family before he passed away peacefully on December 28, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He was born in Rome on December 16, 1929 to the late James and Mabel Riegler McBurney. On May 15, 1954 he was united in marriage to the former Loretta Hawkins, a blessed union of 54 years until her passing on February 8, 2008. He graduated from Rome Free Academy and served in the National Guard. He loved to work on cars when he was younger and could fix anything. He was hired as a surveyor in 1955, and served his apprenticeship under Edwin W. Boutelle Engineering in Delmar, NY, and became a licensed professional land surveyor in 1966. He moved back to Rome in 1969, and started his own land surveying business. Jim has done many high profile jobs around Rome, including Park Drive Manor I and II, The Colonial apartments, Rome Towers, and many many others. He also did a property description for a client while in the Hospital this past month. Jim was a pillar to society and would do anything for anybody, a very giving and generous person, and he was very devoted to taking care of his daughter Debby, who is special and a blessing to everyone. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 4, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Peter's Church for two beautiful people, James and Loretta McBurney, and they are to be buried together following the mass at St. Peter's Cemetery. Surviving are their special daughter, Debby; and two sons, James III and Steve (Sherry) McBurney all from Rome; a brother, Ken McBurney of Rome; a sister, Carol Jones of Mebane, NC; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.