IslandVibesIOP.com 27 If there is one place that springs to mind whenever the Isle of Palms is mentioned, it has to be The Windjammer. Anywhere you go in the Southeast, people know where it is. Its longevity has undoubtedly helped propel it to fame, but the atmosphere created from blending live music, beach volleyball and the ocean breeze is what makes it the stuff of legend. When brothers James and Malcolm Burgis opened the beachfront bar 53 years ago, there had been other beer joints along Front Beach for decades. The building itself was a popular hangout well before The Windjammer claimed it. Previously, the Old Side, a Island Obituaries James McKee Burgis Jan. 22, 1948 – Sept. 29, 2025 in the U.S. Army. His dedication and sense of duty were evident throughout his military service. Following his time in the Army, James embarked on a distinguished career at the CharlesJames McKee Burgis passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, 2025. James was born Jan. 22, 1948, in Bradenton, Florida. In 1957, his family moved to the Isle of Palms, where James attended Moultrie High School and spent his formative years, shaping the values and character that defined his life. After completing his education, James demonstrated his commitment to his country by honorably serving HISTORY Then vs Now The Windjammer: Half-century of ‘jam’ good times By Mary Coy Owner Malcolm Burgis pumps up the crowd from atop the old Windjammer. local favorite, occupied the space. Much like the other bars along Front Beach, the original structure was a nondescript, one-story hole-in-the wall. It was an unassuming place for swimsuit-clad customers to grab a cold brew and hang out at the pool tables, pinball machines, shuffleboard and even video poker machines (before they were outlawed in the state). And of course, there were volleyball courts out back on the beach. But there was no live music. For that, you’d have to venture to one of the other dives along Front Beach. In the early 1980s, The Windjammer’s manager, Bobby Ross, decided to change that and constructed a stage for bands to perform. When The Windjammer landed the Killer Whales, that clinched the bar’s reputation for hosting the best. Over the decades, even bigger names like Cowboy Mouth, Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain and Hootie & the Blowfish have played there. Today, The Windjammer showcases a variety of music, from rock ‘n’ roll, alternative and indie to country, bluegrass and jam bands. The Windjammer’s popularity may stem in part from the wrath of Hurricane Hugo. The storm obliterated the old place, but just nine months later, a new and bigger Windjammer opened. This version was built higher off the ground per federal regulations. A large deck overlooking the ocean was added. The inside walls were given a tropical look. Many locals complained that the new place was just too nice and had lost its faded blue jeans feel. But still they came. And so did everyone else, including tourists and nationally-renowned bands. With two stages – one inside and one out – there’s little room left now for the simple amenities from the old days, since the place often draws a 1,000-person crowd. Of course, the volleyball tournaments remain. And really, who could ask for anything more? ton Naval Shipyard, where he eventually retired. James was an active and valued member of the Isle of Palms VFW Post 3137. Among his many achievements, James was recognized for co-founding The Windjammer with his brother, Malcolm, in 1972. James was predeceased in death by his parents, Wallace McKee Burgis and Elizabeth Cameron Rogers Burgis, his son, Joseph McKee Burgis, as well as his brothers, John Blue Burgis and Wallace Stafford Burgis. He is survived by his sons, James Robert Burgis and Matthew Rogers Burgis, both of McClellanville; the mother of his children, Cheri Baker Burgis of McClellanville; his brothers, Donald Cameron Burgis (Barbara), Malcolm Munro Burgis, William Robert Burgis; his sister, Margaret Elizabeth Burgis Densmore (Chauncy); his brother, David Cook Burgis (Amy Duffy); and a large extended family of nephews, nieces, grandchildren, cousins and friends who will cherish his memory and miss him dearly.
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