He Will Forever Be Missed
JEREMY BURNHAM
1946
2026
Remembering Jerry
Jeremy Rockwell Burnham, known to friends and family as “Jerry,” passed away peacefully at his home on March 2, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, veteran, engineer, and conservationist, Jerry lived a life defined by service; to his country, his community, and most importantly, to the people he loved.
Born in Glendale
FEBRUARY 5TH, 1946
Jerry grew up in the Crescenta Valley area. From an early age he developed a fascination with radio and electronics, a passion that would shape the course of his life. He began his broadcasting career in 1964 at KEDC-FM (88.5 FM) in Northridge, working part-time as both an engineer and announcer while still a young man. His talent and curiosity quickly propelled him into deeper roles in broadcast engineering, including work at KBBQ (1500 AM) in Los Angeles, where he focused on transmitter systems and studio design.
Jerry’s career paused briefly as he answered the call to serve his country. Commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve in 1970, he served during the Vietnam era aboard the USS Truxtun (DLGN-35), a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, Jerry was stationed at Naval Station Pearl Harbor and completed several specialized intelligence and nuclear weapons administration courses. His service included time in Vietnam and earned him multiple decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was honorably discharged in 1972, carrying with him a deep sense of duty and patriotism that stayed with him for the rest of his life.
After returning home, Jerry resumed his work in broadcasting, holding engineering positions at stations including KROQ AM and FM and Alto Communications in Hollywood, where he worked on transmitter systems, studio operations, and broadcast facility design. In 1975 he joined Clear Channel Radio in Los Angeles, beginning what would become a remarkable 40-year career as a Senior Project Engineer.
During his decades with Clear Channel, Jerry helped build and maintain the technical backbone behind many of Southern California’s most recognizable radio stations, including KIIS-FM, KFI, KOST, KBIG-FM, KLAC, KYSR, KTLK, KHHT, and others. His work spanned transmitter engineering, studio construction, remote broadcast engineering, and the design of complex audio and communications systems. He oversaw program circuits, satellite systems, ISDN networks, and internet broadcast links during an era when radio technology was rapidly evolving.
For more than four decades at KIIS-FM, Jerry worked behind the scenes helping make some of the most famous radio shows in America possible, including the morning shows of Rick Dees and later Ryan Seacrest. Rick Dees affectionately introduced him on air as “Dr. Jerry Burnham,” a nickname that stuck among colleagues and listeners alike. Though rarely in the spotlight, Jerry was one of the steady hands ensuring the broadcast always went smoothly. Colleagues remember him as a pioneer in broadcast engineering, a steady problem solver, and a mentor who generously shared his knowledge with younger engineers.
Outside of his professional career, Jerry was deeply committed to his community and the natural world. He was a dedicated member of the Crescenta Valley Group of the Sierra Club, where he served for more than thirty years as treasurer and management committee member. He also volunteered countless hours helping care for local open spaces. For the past decade he faithfully watered trees at Deukmejian Wilderness Park & Verdugo Mountains, and he regularly participated in the group’s Sunland-Tujunga Tree Care events, quietly helping ensure that the next generation would inherit a healthier landscape. He was recently awarded the Sustainability Stewardship Award by the City of Glendale.
Jerry also remained active in supporting fellow veterans. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1614, where he served as Quartermaster for the VFW and Finance Officer for both organizations. His fellow veterans respected him not only for his service, but also for his steady leadership and willingness to help wherever needed.
Yet above all of his accomplishments, Jerry’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Mary, whom he cared for with deep love and dedication throughout their life together. He was also an extraordinary father to his twin sons, Jonathan and Tristan. Jerry was the kind of dad who never missed a game, practice, or event. He stayed up late helping his sons learn new skills, encouraging them, guiding them, and always believing in them. His quiet support, patience, humor, and steady presence shaped the lives of his family in immeasurable ways.
Those who knew Jerry remember a man who was humble, dependable, deeply intelligent, and endlessly generous with his time. Whether fixing a transmitter at a radio station, watering trees in the foothills, helping a fellow veteran, or cheering from the sidelines at his sons’ games, he showed up fully for the people and causes he cared about.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Mary Burnham; his twin sons, Jonathan and Tristan Burnham; and his daughter-in-law, Becca Tarbox, who together carry forward his legacy of curiosity, kindness, and service.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, fellow veterans, and the many community members whose lives he touched.
Funeral services and military honors will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to honor Jerry’s memory to consider supporting local conservation efforts or veteran organizations, causes that meant so much to him throughout his life.
If you have questions or would like to share stories/photos please email Jonathan at jon@travelingjon.com
we'll be having a celebration of life for Jerry at Deukmejian Wilderness Park on June 19th - VIEW DETAILS
JERRY'S ADVENTURES
