Mr. Thomas J. "T.J." Burrin V, 51 of Indianapolis, formerly of Lebanon, died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at his residence.. T.J. was born in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 29, 1961, the son of Thomas J. Burrin IV and Susan (Straughan) Burrin. From an early age, T.J was a resident of Lebanon. He graduated from Lebanon High School. While in school, he was active in band and served as the swim team manager. He was awarded the Eagle Scout distinction by Gov. Otis Bowen.. He continued his education at IUPUI, where he received a degree as a radiology technician. He worked for 23 years at the Veterans Hospital, and then at the Indiana University Hospital in the research department. His last position was at St. Vincent Hospital on 86th Street in Indianapolis. In his work, he was always very sensitive to the needs and comforts of his patients.. As an active performer and actor, he directed a number of plays and received numerous awards for his acting and directing. He had worked in many of the local theaters including Phoenix, T.O.T.S., Christian Theological Seminary and the Buck Creek Theater. He received numerous Encore awards for his acting and directing, and also served as an Encore judge.. Having had a lifelong fascination with Houdini and magic, T.J. attended classes at Camp Chesterfield, where his innate talents were recognized and refined. He was a voracious reader and collector of books, dragons and swords.. T.J. was a man of passion and commitment. Simply put, he was a good man. We are better off for having known him and his kindness. Thank you T.J. for being the man you were.. In Lebanon, T. J. had been a member of the Central Christian Church, and was formerly married to Sandra Howson.. T.J. will be greatly missed by those left behind including his loving wife, Donna (Conner) Burrin of Indianapolis; daughter, Alexandria (Patrick); stepdaughter, Athene (Andrew); parents, Thomas J. (Susan) Burrin IV of Lebanon; sister, Robin (Kevin) Wood of Lebanon; grandsons, Xander and William; special friends, the Rev. Dr. P. T. Wilson, Melissa, Michael, Heather, Jeff, and many more to whom he will always be "Uncle T.J."; brothers-in-law, James, Michael, Thomas and Kevin; sisters-in-law, Deborah and Angela; and all of his numerous theater brothers and sisters.. Family and friends will gather to pay tribute to T.J. from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 7, at Lauck and Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. A celebration of life service will take place at 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. P. T. Wilson, the Rev. Cary B. Neeley and the Rev. Miki Mathioudakis officiating.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Christian Church Scholarship Fund, c/o Central Christian Church, 311 E. Main St., Lebanon, IN 46052.. Online condolences may be made at www.lauckfuneralhome.com.