SSG JAY DEE BURKINS, age 55 years of Street, MD died on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the Gilchrist Hospice in Towson, MD. He was the husband of Catherine A. (O'Donnell) Burkins. They observed their 16th. wedding anniversary on December 31, 2014.

Jay was born on December 23, 1959 in Havre de Grace, MD, a son of the late Arthur and Helen (Doyle) Burkins. A 1978 graduate of North Harford High School in Pylesville, MD, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June, 1978 and served in Japan and the Philippines, Upon his discharge in June, 1983 he served in the Marine Corps Reserves until June, 1984 whereupon he entered into the Maryland Army National Guard, serving from June, 1984 to November, 1990. In July, 2002 until the time of his death, he once again served in the Maryland Army National Guard. He was deployed three times, from September, 2004 to November, 2005 and August, 2011 until November, 2012, both in Iraq. From June, 2014 he served in Afghanistan until October, 2014 when he was transferred first to Germany and then to Walter Reed Army Hospital due to his illness.

A lifetime Harford County resident, he was a member of Slate Ridge Post #182, American Legion in Whiteford, MD.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

Five children

Jeanette Burkins of Nottingham, MD

Shannon Kovash of Street, MD

Christina Schwartz and her husband Justin of Fayetteville, NC

Michael O'Donnell of Street, MD

Annamarie Burkins of Street, MD

Three grandchildren: Seija, Cassie and Levi

Three brothers

Gerald Arthur Burkins of Walker, Louisiana

Arthur M. Burkins, Jr. of Street, MD

Paul D. Burkins of Street, MD

One sister

Betty Ann Burns of Milton, FL

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald Eugene Burkins and Bobby Burkins.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 23 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 24 at 11:00 a.m.

Interment with full military honors will be in Emory Cemetery, Street, MD.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105