Jerry Edward Burnham was the son of Robert and Dorothy (Karrels) Burnham. He lived his entire life in Sturgis.

His work-life revolved around mechanical endeavors, first cars and tractors, and later airplanes.

For the past 40 years he worked at the Sturgis City Airport, serving as Airport Manager for the last 30 years.

When a crop spraying airplane needed to fly by morning, Jerry would drive through the night to wherever the airplane landed (whether on a country road or in a field), and repair the airplane so it was ready to fly by the time the sun rose.

He received a United States Patent for his new engine parts which are sold literally around the world.

Jerry maintained a Private Pilot's License and Mechanics License until the time of his death.

In his free time he played golf and cribbage.

Jerry married Carolyn Laughlin in 1974, they are parents of four children. In 2006, he remarried and she survives him along with his children and one sister.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and infant sister, Joy Burnham.

Memorials may be made in Jerry's name to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)