Robert Owen Burroughs

Direct Diamond Company

 Founder

Robert Owen Burroughs, known to many as “Diamond Jim,” 86, died July 18, at Masonicare at Newtown. Mr Burroughs was born March 3, 1923, in Trumbull.

 He subsequently moved to Easton and had a residence there for most of his life. In the early 1980s he moved to his beloved house on Lake Zoar, where he remained until moving to Newtown.

 He leaves six children, including George Burroughs of Sandy Hook; one sister; his former wife, Esther Goudie of Wallingford; and 15 grandchildren.

He was in the US Navy during World War II. After coming home from the war, he worked as a diamond merchant for Baumgold diamond importers out of New York City. He opened Direct Diamond Co, his first jewelry store, in Monroe, in the early 1970s, and expanded to include stores in Fairfield and Southbury.

He tended to his organic garden. He was a self taught musician and loved to play his organ and guitar. Along with his love of music, he loved to dance.

His fondest memories as a child were the times he spent on Lake Zoar in Southbury with his brother and sister. His greatest desire was for his children to also experience his boyhood lake, and purchased a cottage for the family to share. He loved sailing, powerboats, and fishing. He was a kind and loving father, who would do anything for his family and friends.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Masonicare at Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee        July 24, 2009