James Burdell Henrie

James Burdell Henrie passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 3, 2026. He was born on May 16, 1940, in Panguitch, Utah, to Bernard D. and Annie Elizabeth Wilcock Henrie. The second of five children, Burdell grew up as the only boy alongside his four sisters, spending his youth herding sheep on the family ranches at the East Fork of the Sevier River on the Paunsaugunt Plateau near Bryce Canyon and the foothills around Panguitch.

Burdell graduated from Panguitch High School in 1958 and continued his education at the College of Southern Utah. It was there that he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Olds. The couple married on September 10, 1960, in the St. George Temple. They subsequently completed their studies at Utah State University, where Burdell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, and Patty Ann earned her Master of Arts degrees in Education.

Burdell’s distinguished career in aerospace engineering began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he initially worked for the Atomic Energy Commission. He later transitioned to the private sector, working with several prominent defense contractors in Albuquerque, New Mexico, San Diego, California and Window Rock, Arizona. He dedicated more than 20 years of his career to Hercules in Magna, Utah, serving as the Program Manager for major initiatives including the Small ICBM, Trident, and Peacekeeper nuclear missile programs. During this time, he and his family resided in Herriman, Utah.

Following his retirement in 2000, Burdell and Patty Ann spent their summers at their cabin in Mammoth Creek, Utah, and winters in Herriman. In 2017, they relocated permanently to Panguitch Lake, where they enjoyed exploring the countryside on ATVs and side-by-sides with close friends. After 61 years of devoted marriage, Patty Ann passed away in 2022, prompting Burdell to return to his hometown of Panguitch. A faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Burdell also dedicated many years of service to leadership positions within the Panguitch Lake Branch.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Patty Ann; his older sister, Bernice Miller; and his great-grandchild, Jade S. Shorman.

Burdell is survived by his sisters, Saralea “Sally” Heaton, Arlene “Toi” Williamson, and Marlene “Beanie” Palmer (Robert A. Palmer). He leaves behind a legacy through his four children, James B. Henrie (Marianne Szoke), Michelle Henrie, Jason B. Henrie, and Joel B. Henrie (Kyrsten L. Morley); five grandchildren, Julienne A. Henrie, Genevieve B. Henrie, Aidan Henrie, Lira Henrie, and Jaxon B. Henrie; and four great-grandchildren, Felix S. Shorman, Alexander P. Shorman, Lennox R. Shorman, and Maximus L. Shorman.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the Panguitch Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. A luncheon for family and friends will follow at the Third Ward Chapel (550 South 100 West). To share online condolences, please visit www.motuary.org.