J.B. Burgess Jr., 96, of McGregor, Texas, passed away October 10, 2026, in McGregor following a brief illness. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and lifelong baseball enthusiast, J.B. lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and a love for the things that mattered most.

A funeral to celebrate the amazing life of J. B. Burgess, Jr. will be 11am, Wednesday, October 14th at Cole Funeral Home in McGregor. A Visitation with the family will be 6-8 pm, Tuesday, October 13th at Cole Funeral Home. Burial will be 1pm, Thursday, October 15th at Rest Land Cemetery in Dallas.

Born March 14, 1930, in Flat, Texas, J.B. was the son of Jay B. Burgess and Anna Biddy Burgess. He attended Moody High School, where his love of sports began a lifelong passion that would follow him throughout his years.

Baseball held a special place in J.B.’s heart. As a young man, he dreamed of playing in the major leagues, but his path took a different turn when he was drafted into the United States Navy. He proudly served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955 after more than four years of service. Though his dream of playing professional baseball did not come to pass, J.B. found countless ways to remain close to the game he loved.

On February 11, 1955, J.B. married Wilma A. Pomerenke in Waco, Texas. Together, they built a life and family rooted in love and shared memories. Wilma preceded him in death, as did his parents and his siblings.

J.B. worked for St. Regis Paper in Dallas for 35 years, demonstrating the kind of dedication and commitment that defined his life. Outside of work, he gave generously of his time to his community. He was involved with the Dallas Optimist Club and McGregor Little League, where his love of sports became a way to encourage and support young people.

For more than 20 years, J.B. served as a official scorekeeper for McGregor High School, faithfully keeping track of the game and the players who took the field. To J.B., baseball was more than a sport. It was a lifelong love, a source of joy, and a connection to generations of players and fans. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and following Baylor football and basketball.

J.B. was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in McGregor, where his community ties remained an important part of his life.

He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory, including his daughters, Vicki Garrett of McGregor and Sherry Gist of McGregor; his grandsons, Dustin Gist and wife Jackie of Granbury, and Geoffrey Garrett of Dallas; his great-grandchildren, Bailey Thornton and husband Caleb of Midland, Madison Gist and Braden of Fort Worth; Mason Gist of Granbury; and his brother, James Burgess and wife Anita of McGregor. He also leaves behind extended family members, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched through his years of service, friendship, and love of sports.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to McGregor Wellness Nursing Home and Gentiva Hospice for the kindness and care shown to J.B. They also ask that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Zion Lutheran Church in McGregor or Meals on Wheels of McGregor.

J.B. Burgess Jr. leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years alone. It lives on in the family he loved, the young athletes he encouraged, the games he faithfully kept score of, and the memories shared by all who knew him. Though his own major-league dream remained unfulfilled, he spent a lifetime celebrating the game he loved—and in doing so, became part of countless other people’s stories.

He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.