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<p><em>Joshua Bedon “Boots” Burress</em> was born in Raton, NM on February 9, 1954 to Dr. Julian and Mary Kathryn Burress. Boots, as all his West Point classmates called him, always had a passion for his home state, the Land of Enchantment. Boots attended Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM and was on the varsity swimming and football teams and assisted with Scouting. Boots and I first met in high school as New Mexico Boys State delegates. Boots was my junior counselor chosen for his inspirational leadership. </p>
<p>After graduating high school, Boots attended the New Mexico Military Institute. He joined the Army in 1973 and was later selected to attend the USMA Prep School. It was fun to share hometown stories and encourage each other during that time. </p>
<p>Boots was selected for West Point, and we entered on the same day in 1974. During that challenging Beast Barracks summer, we ran into another new cadet, Abe Valdez (also from New Mexico), who was positively influenced by Boots. When I was near expulsion after three immediate family member deaths during my plebe year, Boots would show up at my room and force me to study calculus. A better friend I could not have had during that tough year. Periodically, I’d run into him at AI and at the woodworking shop. As fate would have it, Boots was also no stranger to the Tactical Department, and he was almost nickeled and dimed into the Century Club. When our class was reshuffled to different companies, Abe Valdez moved into his H-4 new quarters and learned that Boots was his roommate. According to Abe: “Living with and sharing stories with Boots was special. He was smart, optimistic, and laser focused, with the confidence of a natural leader. After junior year, we spent time back in Albuquerque, as Boots secured painting jobs for us both, and we had a blast painting and listening to loud blaring rock and roll music. Boots asked me to be best man at his wedding. I have never seen a groom so proud and beaming with happiness. Both Kevin Jackson and I and a few other classmates held sabers for them on that special day. Shortly thereafter, we went out as new lieutenants.” </p>
<p>In Germany, Boots and I were posted near each other, so we met for holidays. Some funny incidents that kept us laughing were catching his car on fire after a BBQ and when his VW bug rolled down the street into a German bakery. One Christmas, Boots and Helen called us with an idea to take a MAC flight and spend the holidays in Greece. We waited for two flights and slept in the kids’ plastic ball play area (hidden from view) until we caught the morning flight. I still have those pictures somewhere. </p>
<p>Abe and Boots “…reconnected almost 20 years later and again more recently sharing life’s experiences since we last met. Boots was a changed man as he was more spiritual and focused on a personal relationship with God. He took me on a spiritual journey with him, and I am grateful to have been mentored by Boots.”</p>
<p>Boots and I shared many a pizza slice in New Mexico when we were able to visit each other. He lived in his hometown of Albuquerque, where he swam laps at Kirtland AFB, volunteered at First Presbyterian Church, and spent time with his golden retriever, Seahawk. The Navajo Nation honored Boots for his support by giving him a tribal name and bracelet, which he always wore. I deeply regret not reconnecting with him over the past several years during COVID when we both were supporting that cause. </p>
<p>Sadly, Boots passed away on November 22, 2020 from complications of a brain seizure, including pneumonia and the inability to eat. </p>
<p>I recently received several comments from other classmates, old friends, and members of the First Presbyterian Church, Boots’ beloved church. He assisted the deacons as a humble leader in his last days, coming to church on Mondays to straighten the pew racks, refill envelopes and cards and sharpen pencils. His boyhood friends described him with such respect and upon hearing of his passing quoted, “God Speed Boots. I hope you are skiing down the slopes of Heaven yelling and screaming looking for the next jump to take.”</p>
<p>I recently read his final last year of letters and logs. Some excerpts included: “I am blessed with a divine patience.” “I know I have many issues and the only way I have navigated this is in Jesus Christ in the Triune God.” Another excerpt described losing his Navajo bracelet after months in the hospital when he had lost so much strength. Someone found and returned it to Boots and he wrote: “They brought the bracelet to me, and I cried tears down my cheeks. Not since West Point graduation day in 1978 had I cried like that.”</p>
<p>Boots was the eternal optimist despite his health and challenges in life. He will be remembered by his infectious smile and his dedication to friends and others. He inspired me and his example made me a better person. Boots finished the race and his course on earth is done. Now we can say Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.</p>
<p><em>— Kevin Jackson, classmates, family and friends</em></p>
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