James Burgoon, 57, software executive

James Albert Burgoon of 136 Walnut Grove Road, a software executive who was known for his knowledge of many subjects, died on Sunday, Oct. 21, at his home after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 57 years old and the husband of Kathleen Flannigan Burgoon.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Mr. Burgoon was born on Sept. 23, 1944, a son of Dorothy Ellenberger Burgoon of Pittsburgh and the late George Burgoon. He grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1962 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1963 to 1966. He was stationed in Germany where he met his wife, Kathleen.
He attended the University of Rochester, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting, and with a master’s degree in business administration with high honors from the university’s William E. Simon Graduate School of Management, Executive Development Program.
After military service, Mr. Burgoon joined the Xerox Corporation in Rochester. The family moved to Ridgefield in 1980. He left Xerox in 1986 and joined the Home Insurance Company of New York City. In 1993, he became executive vice-president with The Wheatley Group in Stamford, a company that produces software for the insurance industry.
A voracious reader with a photographic memory, Mr. Burgoon was known among family and friends for his vast knowledge on many subjects. “He knew everything about anything,” said his wife, Kathy. “He was a master of trivia. Family and friends have said, ‘If you don’t know the answer, ask Jim.’ ”
Mr. Burgoon especially enjoyed history and was widely read on the Civil War. “I learned more from him than I ever did in school because he made it much more fun,” Mrs. Burgoon said.
Mr. Burgoon also enjoyed travel and golf, and often played at Dlhy Ridge Golf Course here.
Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by two daughters, Kelly Burgoon of Ridgefield, and Kyla Green and her husband Bill also of Ridgefield; a grandson, James Green of Ridgefield; a brother, Thomas Burgoon and his wife Sandy of Birdsboro, Pa.; a sister: Patricia Conn and her husband Gordon of Pittsburgh; a sister in law: Maureen Richardson of Ellicott City, Md.; four nieces and nephews: Tiffany Flannigan, Steve Burgoon, Alex Conn, and Shannon Conn. His mother and father in law, Millie and Chauncey Flannigan, died before him.
He also leaves his bichon frisé, Amadeus.
The Rev. Leszek Szymaszek, parochial vicar, celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday in St. Mary’s Church.
Entombment will be in White Haven Memorial Cemetery, Pittsford, N.Y.
Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 183 High Ridge Avenue, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
The Kane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.