John Garrison Burgess (77) left this world on January 5, 2026. He succumbed in the end to a grade-four glioblastoma. John fought hard until his last breath, but he lost a battle that no one can win.
A memorial service will be held in May. Arrangements are under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.
John played basketball at New Mexico State University, where he currently resides in the Hall of Fame along with his 1970 Final Four team. After graduation, he became a basketball coach at Alamogordo High School. From there, he went to Clayton, New Mexico, to become the high school principal and athletic director in 1986. John spent the rest of his career in this little New Mexico Panhandle town, retiring in 2010. John treasured his time as an educator and the colleagues he spent so much of his life with. He also cherished the students and athletes he was with every day. For those of you reading this who had John as a principal, athletic director, or coach, we want you to know that he truly loved you—the great ones, the ornery ones, and all the ones in between. He spoke often and with pride of the times he spent with all of you. Some of his other joys included traveling; eating and drinking at dive bars; exploring local breweries; attending any sporting event; his NMSU reunions; his dogs; his family; and his home. To John’s kids: he loves you all so much and is incredibly proud of you. Remember to always fight and to enjoy the little things. To his grandkids: he is going to miss a lot in person, but he will always be there watching. Remember to talk to him when you can. To Kelly: he lived for you, and he fought so hard to stay with you just a little while longer. You were his world. To anyone and everyone who knew John: as a family, we would love to know how he impacted your lives. In place of flowers, please send cards or letters telling us your stories so we can cherish the memories of him through you. He was preceded in death by his father, Noah Burgess; his mother, Esther Burgess; and his daughter, Dina Burgess.
SURVIVORS:
He is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Kelly Burgess; his two sons, Brad Burgess and Noah Jesko and wife Jenna; his two daughters, Kate Mitchell and husband Hunter, and Hannah Peterson and husband Dustin. He is also survived by his two sisters, Susanne Whitaker and Christine Corder and husband Dan. John leaves behind seven wonderful grandchildren: Luke, Daxton, Brynn, Sawyer, Kasen, Blake, and Beau.
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