Jeanette Burgess passed away at her home on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

© Courtesy Shinn Funeral Service

RUSSELLVILLE, AR–JANUARY 2, 2024–Jeanette Burgess, wife of doctor and longtime Arkansas horseman James G. Burgees, M.D., died Saturday, December 28, 2024, at her home.  She was 81.

Jeanette was born June 19, 1943, in Stockton, California, to Everett Hamilton and Reva Jean Kimbro Ferguson. 

She was a member of Russellville First Baptist Church, where she taught first-grade Sunday School. Jeanette was also a lifetime member of Junior Auxiliary, PEO Chapter BM, and an Arkansas Symphony Guild charter member. 

She and her husband owned a summer home in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and spent many days at the races. Dr. James G. Burgess, a graded stakes winning owner and breeder, has campaigned over $855,000 in money-earning horses, including Skyline Chick, Skyline Lover, and Rubys Jp.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Alan Kimbro Ferguson, and a sister, Linda Meadows.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Dr. James Burgess, M.D.; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Karen Burgess of Austin, Texas; two daughters, Stacy and Bill Rowlett of Russellville and Jill Burgess of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren, Amber (Kenny) Smith of Los Osos, California, Katie (Ryan) Black of Vista, California, Chase Rowlett of St. Louis, Missouri, Everett Burgess of Eugene, Oregon, and Aubrey Burgess of Boston, Massachusetts; and three great-grandchildren, Max Smith, June Smith and expected baby girl, Black in March.

A private graveside service for the family was held in Rest Haven Memorial Park, with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Davis officiating. Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville will direct the service.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Davis officiating and under the direction of the Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Memorials may be made to Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin Blvd. Nevada, Missouri 64772.

Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.