James H. Burdick, 95, executive in financial services

James H. Burdick, 95, formerly of Strafford, an executive in the financial services industry and a community volunteer, died Saturday, Aug. 22, of congestive heart failure at Shannondell at Valley Forge.

Born in Bryn Mawr, he started as an office boy in the financial services business. At the time, he was fresh out of the Haverford School.

He became a life insurance agent, a manager of agencies, and then marketing vice president for Philadelphia Life Insurance Co. in Center City. Then, in 1963, working with two partners, he founded a life insurance agency, brokerage firm, and mutual fund management company, all under the umbrella of PRO Services Inc.

The companies specialized in retirement planning for doctors and lawyers. After eight years with PRO, Mr. Burdick returned to Philadelphia Life as a regional manager for sales in Philadelphia. He retired in 1980.

Afterward, he told his family, "I haven't missed working for one hour since I retired."

Instead, he immersed himself in volunteering. For 13 years, he repaired homes for the less fortunate in South Philadelphia through the Community Home Repairs program of the 18th Street Development Corp. In November 1988, he was interviewed by The Inquirer as he helped others weatherize a bedroom in a rowhouse.

"We get so much satisfaction and have so much fun, it doesn't seem right," said Mr. Burdick, then 68. "But at the same time, we see problems and get to know people that we would otherwise never experience. And that helps us to be more sensitive."

He was an usher, deacon, elder and trustee, and finally president of the board of trustees at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. He twice chaired the church's annual stewardship drive and for eight years served as chairman of the church's foundation. He was confirmed and joined the church in April 1936.

Mr. Burdick was active in the Boy Scouts of America and the Upper Main Line YMCA, where he was a board member. He also served on the board of Community Health Foundation and as cochair of the Chester County individual gifts division of the United Way.

He spent time raising money and then as president of the Alumni Association for the Haverford School. He also served as a board member of the alumni association for six years.

Mr. Burdick was married to Adell Z. Burdick in 1953. She died in October 2004.

He is survived by daughters Susan B. Coughlin, Linda B. Robinson, and Patricia B. Roshelli; sons James H. Jr. and David O.; 10 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. A grandson died earlier.

A memorial service is to be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Ave. Interment is to be private.

Contributions may be made to Running Strong for American Indian Youth, 8301 Richmond Highway, Suite 200, Alexandria, Va. 22309, or via www.IndianYouth.org; or to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Foundation, Eugene C. Bay Fund, 625 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010.