Jim was born January 16, 1937, in Fayette County, Texas to Deats and Gracie Burns. He was the founder of a Houston-based business, he ran successfully for 50 plus years, and which continues to operate today under the steady hand of his son, John. Jim was a proud member and pillar of the small-business community and an active member of PDAP and Optimist Club in the Aldine area, the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, the Oak Ridge Baptist Church, and the First United Methodist Church in Aldine.
Jim was a star football player at Iola High School, an All-American tackle at Allen Academy and The University of Houston. He was a proud fifth generation Texan and lived his life in the Texas Way – including as a gentleman rancher, with a herd of cattle, chickens, and other wildlife. His ranch was his passion and a source of great joy, particularly in his later years. He relished moments shared with family at the ranch.
Jim’s favorite term of endearment – often delivered to his children with a mix of tenderness and exasperation – was, “Now Buddy!” He was a lifelong lover of animals, and his special pets were numerous, including The Dukes, Suzy, Tiger and Missy. A favorite pastime was feeding the squirrels and taking care of his numerous cows and early morning coffee on the porch watching the deer in the sunrise when the feeders went off. Jim loved to fish, hunt, and eat fried catfish and raw onions, but primarily enjoyed spending time with his family.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sheri, and his five children, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren: Cheri Burns Perot and husband, Phil, daughters Keri Perot Vance, her husband, Ryan (and their children, Christopher and Olivia) and Grace Perot Moore, her husband Trevin (and their children Lillian, Harrison, Emilia); Terry Burns Woodson and husband, Glenn, their children Ryan Woodson and wife, Caitlyn (and their children Joseph and Jeremiah), and Megan Woodson Snyder, her husband Ken (and daughter Leah Woodson); Kimberly Burns Mickey, her husband Randy, and son Luke Humphrey and wife, Meredith; Cynthia Burns Robertson and husband Ken, and sons, Jack, Eoin, and Finnian; and son, John Burns, and his children Kim and Deats.
A visitation for Jim will be held Monday, August 28, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Metcalf with a graveside service and interment to follow at 3:00 PM at Burns Family Cemetery, 7718 CR 142, Leona, Texas.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Jim Burns’ name.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Burns family.
