Hall of Fame
Burchett came to the Bulldogs in 1985 from Francis Howell High School in St. Charles, Mo., where he enjoyed an outstanding career. He was named to the all-district football team twice there, and also threw the discus for the track and field team. His efforts on the playing field and in the classroom led to him being honored a national merit scholar-athlete. Burchett continued to excel in his athletic and academic pursuits as a Bulldog. He began starting on the offensive line with three games left in his freshman year, and continued to start at the center position the remainder of his career. One of only 17 Bulldogs all-time to achieve such a feat, Burchett earned first-team all-MIAA honors in his final three seasons, and was a unanimous choice by the conference coaches as a senior. He also earned honorable mention Associated Press Little All-America honors as a junior and senior. The Don Hansen Football Gazette named Burchett to its third All-America team during his senior season as well. Burchett also served as the team's long snapper. His coach at the time, Bulldog Hall of Famer Jack Ball, said "Centers like Jim don't come around often. He was a very good pass and run blocker and had the ability to recognize defensive fronts. He made our calls at the line of scrimmage and played well against the nose guards." In his final two campaigns, Burchett was the starting center for another of the 2000 inductees, Truman's all-time passing leader Jeff Frost. The Bulldogs won the outright conference championship during his freshman season in '85. That year, the 'Dogs led Division II in passing and total offense, while setting school records in those categories which still stand. During his senior season as a captain of the squad, the team shared the MIAA title with a record of 7-3. Burchett was also recently named to the Bulldogs' All-Century football team as one of a handful of centers who distinquished themselves during the 20th century. He graduated from Truman in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in communication. Burchett currently resides in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, and is attending Baylor College of Dentistry where he will complete his D.D.S. in June. Following his graduation from Truman, Burchett spent four years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps, eventually making captain. During his stint with the Marines, he served time in Somalia for Operation Restore Hope. Burchett and his wife of 10 years, Connally, have a son, Wade, who is 5-years-old.
