James Henry Burns

James was born April 1, 1934 to Dorothy and Fred J. Burns, Sr. in Jacksonville, Florida. James attended school in Jacksonville and after graduation he joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga.

After his military service, he returned home to Jacksonville and began his 22 years of service with the City of Jacksonville. After retirement from the city, he worked several years for The Drummond Press and finally at Publix Grocery Stores at the Hodges Boulevard location for 15 years.

While at Fort Benning, he met and married Willoise Austin of Phenix City, AL. They returned to Jacksonville and welcomed their four children. Although they divorced, both remained committed to raising the children.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy; father, Fred Sr.; sisters Dorothy “Dottie”, Naomi, and Juanita; and brothers Fred Jr. , and Charles “Charlie”.

He is survived by his daughter Glenda Jones (Bill -deceased); sons James H Burns II (Cheryl -deceased), Donald Burns (Rhonda) and Matthew Burns (Holly); granddaughter Emily Burns; step-grandchildren Kyle Douglas and Katelyn Baller (John) and step-great granddaughter Brooklynn Baller; niece Barabra Talcott; and numerous other nieces and nephews; along with Tory, the family dog.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Haven Hospice or the Humane Society in his honor.

A visitation for James will be held Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Burns family.