Fueling Change: How a Mother’s Legacy Shapes Her Son’s Environmental Mission.

As World Pancreatic Cancer Day approaches, Jim Burness, CEO and Founder of Aloha Charge and it’s parent company, National Car Charging, reflects on the incredible influence his mother, Hildy, had on both his life and career. For Jim, this time of year is always poignant—it's a time to honor her fight, her legacy, and her unwavering commitment to sustainability.

A Force of Nature: Hildy’s Impact on Education and the Environment.

Hildy wasn’t just a beloved educator and environmentalist; she was a force of nature, affectionately known as the “recycling maven” at San Francisco Day School (SFD). Her approach to sustainability was ahead of its time, instilling in children the belief that even the smallest actions mattered. 

"She was one of those teachers you never forgot," shared Linda O'Rourke, who worked with Hildy at San Francisco Day School. "People would come back from college or when they were in their 30s to tell her what a difference she had made in their lives. She never quit on a kid. That was true even when she had unpleasant messages to deliver."

From pioneering environmental programs at SFD to making her home a hub of eco-activism, Hildy lived her passion for the planet every day.

Facing Tragedy: A Family’s Battle with Cancer.

Thanksgiving table(s) at Jim’s parent home was always filled with joy, family and friends.

Tragically, two weeks after Jim’s wedding in 2005, Hildy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a disease that had already claimed Jim’s paternal grandfather, animator Pete Burness four decades earlier. What shocked the family most was how little progress had been made in treatment since the 1960s. Despite facing an uphill battle, Hildy remained steadfast and optimistic. Sadly, she passed away just nine months later—on Thanksgiving Day, her favorite holiday.

Hildy’s passion for bringing people together was never more evident than on Thanksgiving, where her home was always brimming with family, friends, and even newcomers - no one was given the option to say “no”. Even during a major home remodel, Hildy orchestrated a full Thanksgiving feast, borrowing neighbors' ovens and creating a makeshift dining room—because for her, community and gratitude were everything.

From Inspiration to Action: Jim’s Vision for a Sustainable Future.

Inspired by his mother’s determination and spirit, Jim founded National Car Charging, an EV charging infrastructure provider, rooted in the belief that business can thrive while also doing good for the planet. Thirteen years later that small bootstrapped startup has grown into one of the top EV charging value-added resellers in the U.S., installing over 11,000 ports for 1,100+ clients across 48 states.

Yet Jim’s fight extends beyond environmental impact—he is also committed to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Nearly every year over the last 20, his family has participated in the Rich Phillips Memorial Walk in Denver - now known as Lustgarten Foundation’s Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk in Denver, raising crucial funds for the Lustgarten Foundation. Jim believes that each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small the effort may seem. Whether it’s volunteering, raising awareness, or fighting for causes we believe in, we can all contribute to a brighter future.

A Brighter Future: Hope and Progress in Pancreatic Cancer Research. 

Despite decades of little progress between Jim’s grandfather's and mom's pancreatic cancer diagnoses, recent advances have sparked real hope. With support from organizations like the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, survival rates have more than doubled—from 6% in 2005 to 13% in 2024. This remarkable improvement is thanks to advancements in early detection, innovative treatments, and improved surgical techniques. While the disease remains one of the most aggressive, this upward trend in patient longevity signals a brighter future and highlights the importance of continued research and funding.

Jim with his mother Hildy Burness.

Take Action: Honoring Hildy’s Legacy.

So much of the progress against pancreatic cancer has been driven by grassroots fundraising and people passionately stepping up to make a difference. On this World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Jim urges everyone to take bold action in a way that matters to you—whether it's supporting cancer research, fighting for sustainability, or pursuing a personal cause close to your heart.

In a world filled with uncertainty, Hildy’s legacy reminds us of the power we hold to create a brighter, more sustainable future. Together, we can build a world where both the planet and the people we love flourish. Every small act, no matter how simple, has the potential to spark extraordinary change and inspire others to join the journey. Let’s keep her vision alive by taking action today for a thriving tomorrow.

To learn more about Pancreatic Cancer, visit the Lustgarten Foundation’s website. The Lustgarten Foundation is a designated 501c3 where 100% of donated funds go into pancreatic cancer research. Through their fundraising efforts, the Lustgarten Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research.

About Jim Burness.

Jim Burness founded Aloha Charge and National Car Charging (NCC) with the belief that business can thrive while doing good for the planet. Twelve years later, NCC and its sister company, Hawai’i-based Aloha Charge, are collectively the leading reseller and installer of electric vehicle infrastructure in the country and Jim is considered one of the nation’s top EV and charging experts. With previous careers in both the automotive industry and the renewable energy sector, Jim launched NCC to facilitate the build out of the nation’s EV charging infrastructure and manages 11,000+ ports nationwide across 1100+ customers with installations in 48 states.

Jim is actively involved in Colorado’s local sustainability community, works closely with many utilities around the country, and is passionately involved in sustainability legislation and several leading influential EV councils.

A graduate of The Colorado College and the University of Denver, he’s previously held positions at J.D. Power, American Honda, and Microsoft’s CarPoint. Jim and his wife purchased their first electric car in 2012 - seven EVs and 12 years later, their entire family now drives completely fossil fuel free.