Jan Coover Burda

Jan Burda leaves behind a legacy of musical instruments he built and repaired, plus countless musicians he taught and gave opportunities to perform. Raised by his parents John and Sue Coover Burda, he was oldest of six siblings: Lynn, Susan, Christopher, Billy, and Christine. 

Jan graduated St. Joseph High School in 1960. He continued his education at Benton Harbor Community College and Hope College and folk music became Jan’s true passion. During the sixties, he taught sixth grade at Sorter Elementary B.H., worked at Whirlpool in the chemistry lab where his mentors encouraged him to further his education, leading him to Corpus Christie, TX. During his time in Texas, he was part of a local string band, DJ’ed a radio program at his uncle’s station, served as senior class president at college, and survived hurricane Beulah.

In 1969, he moved to Toronto, Ontario, where he helped found the Toronto Folklore Center and was involved with the Mariposa Folk Festival. Once back in Michigan, he centered his life around performing and building instruments. He built and lived in a geodesic dome on the same woodland property where he and his father built a cabin by harvesting logs. Jan ensured the protection of this property’s habitat and wildlife.

In 1978, Jan married Anne Hills and they began performing together, founding the music store Hogeye Music in Evanston, IL. In 1981, they began the Hogeye Records label, releasing the album The Panic is On and half a dozen other artists’ debuts. Jan was an authorized warranty repair man for Martin and Gibson Guitars and custom-built guitars for Taj Mahal, Ian Tyson, and many others. 

In 1985, Jan married Liz Paxson and together they raised her daughter Caitlyn. They founded Possum’s Folk Arts in Stevensville, MI, where they performed and hosted concerts and workshops. They programmed the Bluff Stage at the St. Joseph Venetian Festival, making it a major venue for folk, blues, and jazz. 

In 1997, Jan met his current partner Terri Rach while performing at Arts Café with his string band Rootbound. They created the Riversong Music Society and the Shady Grove Fiddle Fest in Grove Park, down the street from his shop in Berrien Springs, MI, where he continued building and repairing instruments and teaching.

 Wherever there was folk music happening, Jan was in the middle of it. Jan leaves behind his partner Terri and family, sister Susan, nephews David, Jamie, Jon, former partner Anne, former partner Liz and her daughter Caitlyn, and countless friends and musicians that he made music with. 

Per his wishes, there will be a musical celebration on the one-year anniversary of his passing: October 18, 2025. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home & Cremation Services.