Ability, Success, and Humility: Remembering Jack Burris
15 years ago this week, Jack Burris passed away
If you knew Jack Burris, there’s a good chance you feel the same as those whose words I’ve shared in this post. For those of you who, like me, were not lucky enough to know Jack – or Pop Jack as he was called – I hope that this post will help you better understand the foundations and culture of Burris Logistics Family.
If you participate in social media you can read many poignant comments in the same vein as the ones below: Some of the greatest people I have known…They were the most down to earth people…Such a great man and his lovely wife, Burris Foods will forever live in my heart…a great man and a great family…these comments and others speak to the community impact of the Burris family and Burris Logistics.
You are encouraged to read and leave comments if moved to do so on any of our social media channels – LinkedIN is not blocked on the Burris Network: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6493520006096175104
An Enormous Impact
Peter Burrows, Severn Insurance, LTD, remembers Jack as one of the most special men in his entire work career which now spans sixty years. He said:
“Jack Burris, who passed on January 22, 2004, 15 years ago, I cannot forget. Not possible. I think of Jack Burris and those yesterdays more than any of you know. His person and character made an enormous impact on my young career from the day we first met, summer of 1969.”
Click this link or the collage to see the photo album with full sized images.
Ability, Success, and Humility
At the time of “PopJack’s” death, Allison Burris Castellanos sent the following message to her friends and coworkers:
My grandfather, “PopJack” Burris passed away yesterday, January 22nd. I know many of my close friends knew him. He touched so many lives in so many direct and indirect ways. One of his proudest legacies is surely the outstanding example he and my grandmother, “Nana” have set for all of us – to live a modest life, and still give so much of their time and financial resources to generously helping others. Delaware mourns the loss of a great man! “God Bless Family & Family Relations!” Over and out. Allison Burris.
In reply to Allison’s message, coworker Deb Schiffer wrote:
We haven’t had much chance to talk since I joined La Esperanza, but I wanted to pass this on because I know it will mean something to you. My brother, Dave, is a church organist and he shared the following story with me:
From David Wilkins in February of 2004 to his sister, Deb Schiffer:
Sis,
I do not know Allison Burris. I should. Her grandparents are, in my opinion, the GREATEST COUPLE in Delaware over the past 3 generations. For reasons of activity, community, principle and service. Mr. Jack and Miss Lillian were present and/or supporting in the background almost every good thing that has happened around here for the past half-century and longer.
Jack was in charge of keeping the State of Delaware “Ethical”. He helped me advise other people to make sure ethical questions were acted on so they did not become ethical problems. Of course, the POWER of his ethical leadership was more by example than by position.
…the Burrises are at the center of my most satisfying day ever as a church organist. At Felton May’s election as Bishop, the Conference held a service of Consecration at Whatcoat Church, Camden. This Is the only time I ever played for a full house that was near-equal in the colours of the faces there.
When I came downstairs after the service, I found 4 people in the kitchen, in matching aprons, serving punch and cookies to the masses of all colors and kinds: Bob & Joyce Voshell, and Jack and Lillian Burris. I guess it was Avenue UMC, Milford’s turn to serve refreshments…and these were the volunteers.
They understood that serving is not bowing down, but the highest of duties…which they never shirked, but rather sought. We will never know how much they did. And most people would wonder WHY they did, when obviously, they didn’t need to. Apparently they knew they did.
If you get to talk to Allison tell her I appreciated her e-mail and I loved her “PopJack” too. I have never seen ability, success and humility so well balanced in one person.
I am sure Jack Burris’ reflection will be on Haven Lake every day the sun rises.
“A Giant of a Man, with the Soul of an Angel”
Obituary for John Edward “PopJack” Burris
John Edward Burris was born in August 5, 1920 in Lincoln City, DE to John W. and Edna Vaughn Burris. He graduated from the Peddie School in 1938 and from the University of Pennsylvania in 1942. He served in the US Air Force from 1942 to 1946 retiring with the rank of major. After farming for a couple of years he founded The Burris Poultry Business, which he operated from 1948 until it was sold in 1971; at which time he started Burris Logistics; where he continued to actively work until his stroke on December 27, 2003.
Mr. Burris was a member of the Executive Committee of the Wilmington Trust Company and was chairman of its Kent County Advisory Board and for 19 years was a Director of the Brandywine Fund. In 1998, he was inducted into the National Frozen Food Industries Hall of Fame, the Baltimore and Washington Frozen Food Association in 1993 and 1994 honored him as “Man of the Year”, he was inducted into the Delaware Business Leaders Hall of Fame and twice with his wife, Lillian was named “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” by the Milford Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Burris contributed generously of his time and energies to community, educational, and service organizations. For 35 years, he served on the Milford Hospital Board having served as Chairman and recently was a member of the Bayhealth Foundation. Annually, for 37 years he and his family cooked the chicken dinners for the Milford Hospital Fair. For over 30 years, he was active in the Avenue United Methodist Church including serving on the Administrative Board and was Pastor Parish Chairman for 18 years. For 19 years he served as Chairman of the State Integrity Committee and in 2000, he Co-Chaired the Committee that raised funds to remodel the State Archives Building. For over 20 years, he actively participated in Kent and Sussex Counties United Way Campaigns serving as Chairman for many years. He was a charter member of the Milford Lions Club. From 1976 to 1992, he was a Trustee of the University of Delaware Board of Trustees as well as Trustee Emeritus.
Jack and his wife Lillian, were honored as exceptional volunteers, receiving the United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award. He received the Dover Colonial Rotary’s “Paul Harris Service Award”, the Lions International Melvin Jones Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services, the Delmarva Poultry “Citizen of the Year”, the Delmarva Boy Scouts Council’s “Citizen of the Year” and in 1989 the Prison Ministry honored him for his outstanding contribution to the fund raising for the new Chapel in Georgetown. One of his greatest honors was receiving the Josiah Marvel Cup Award from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce in 1993.
Jack and Lillian Marshall Burris were married for 61 years. He was the very proud father of Lillian Hoopman, Bob Burris, John Burris and Howard Burris. He was also very proud of his twelve grandchildren. At the time of his passing, he had 12 great grandchildren. Today, Jack and Lillian Burris have 38 great grandchildren.
Jack’s greatest joys were his family, Burris Logistics, rowing on Haven Lake, sailing in Lewes, attending University of Delaware football games, spending time at the Milford office, campaigning for United Way, and most of all being with his dear wife Lillian Marshall Burris.
Jeff Metzner, from the Food World publication, created the words put on Jack’s tombstone, “ A giant of a man with the soul of an angel.”
