James Sanford Burnett of Water Mill died on January 9. He was 94.
Mr. Burnett, also known as “Buddy” or “Pop Pop,” was born on October 15, 1920. Mr. Burnett always had a smile and a natural way of winning one over, survivors said. Whether it be a good word to the sisters of Villa Maria or drinking cold beer with a good friend, the moments were always warm and heartfelt. Recalling some if his mischievous moments, survivors said one memorable prank was filling some mailboxes in the Flying Point area with alewives; the postmaster was not pleased but understood that it was just “Buddy being Buddy.” Survivors also said that people knew never, ever, to visit the old blacksmith shop on Halsey Lane in Water Mill after Buddy had a vacation in Florida, because he was known to hook M-80s to the welders, and leave firecrackers in the bathroom.
He was a founding member of Bull Head Yacht Club and more important to him, the “Water Mill coffee klatch” that included Denton Squires, Jim Slowey and Dickie Fowler and gathered regularly to swap stories.
Mr. Burnett also had a serious side. While he was on the Southampton Board of Education, the new Southampton High School was constructed, and the board oversaw the local school system during the turbulent 1960s. His commitment to community and especially Water Mill was unwavering. He played Santa at the Community House until his kids became old enough to catch on. He oversaw the raising of the flag at the flagpole on the hamlet green, was involved with the Water Mill Museum and the Village Improvement Association and the Water Mill Community Club, and donated Christmas trees to the post office, where he chatted regularly with Ruby, his favorite clerk. He also taught Sunday school.
When Mr. Burnett retired he traveled the country by caravan, along with his wife, Marge, and their friends Tom and Helen White. They saw it all, then settled for the Sunshine State, grandchildren and winter warmth.
When Mr. Burnett’s grandchild Edwin IV became sick, he moved to North Carolina to help and support.
After his wife, his first love, died, he moved back to his second, Water Mill. Mr. Burnett was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie; and a son, James Jr. He is survived by his son, Edwin and wife Carolyn; and three grandchildren, Chandler, Grayson and Edwin IV.
Memorial donations may be made to the Flying Point Cemetery Association, c/o Jeff Jones, 593 Flying Point Road, Water Mill, NY 11976.
A graveside service was private. A memorial service is planned for later this year.
on Jan 13, 2015