James T. Burley
Born on April 21, 1929, in Tatamy, PennsylvaniaDeparted January 19, 2023 in Palm Bay, Florida
James T. Burley passed away peacefully on January 19, 2023, at 93 years old. Jim was born on April 21, 1929 in Tatamy, Pennsylvania to Paul and Ida Burley. From an early age, Jim was a talented pianist, who loved to share his gift of music. He studied at the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory of Music for his undergraduate and University of Colorado for his graduate studies.
In 1957 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, he was introduced to Anna Maria Andretti, a cute little Italian girl who had emigrated with her family just a couple years earlier. She loved to listen to him on the radio as DJ Marty Miles and since she was just learning English, they communicated through laughter and a shared love of the arts. They married and together they raised their four children in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, where Jim taught music at the local schools and played piano in various venues.
After moving to Florida, Jim worked as a Music Director at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, and for over forty years at St. Sebastian’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Melbourne Beach, where he played his last service this past Christmas Eve. For many years, Jim also played piano at The Mango Tree Restaurant, where he entertained dignitaries, celebrities and astronauts. Jim was also an accomplished composer, who wrote innumerable pieces of liturgical music, most notably an Easter cantata entitled “Via Cruces,” which was performed by a joint chorus from several area churches. But most of all, Jim will be remembered for his quick wit and humor, his kind heart, his exceptional voice and his youthful exuberance. He was truly loved by all who knew him.
Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife Anna Maria; daughter Janine; granddaughter Jamie; parents Ida and Paul; brother Donald; and sister Nancy. He is survived by his sons JT (Mary) and David (Jane); daughter Gwen (Jason); grandchildren Tonya, Joanna, Genna, Brianna, Andrew, Evelyn and Winston; five great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Mario and sisters-in-law Susie and Corky; as well as nieces, nephews and friends.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Pablo Picasso
