James Robert Burns

James Robert Burns Obituary

1932 - 2026

James Robert Burns, age 93 was born December 5, 1932, in the family home in a small community in Hill County called Revere, to parents James Raymond and Myrle Frances Burns. James passed peacefully November 2nd at BSW Hillcrest in Waco, TX.

His father was a farmer and James grew up doing the work of a farmer's son learning about hard work and responsibility. He attended the small Revere school for grades one through eight, and then attended Hillsboro High School graduating in 1950. While riding the bus to High School James met the love of his life, Wanda. After graduation James did several small jobs and helped his dad with the farm work until going to work for General Dynamics in Fort Worth.

On January 26, 1951 he married his high school sweetheart Wanda Poyner and they made their home in Hillsboro. They attended church at East Elm St. Church of Christ where James began a training class for young men and decided then he wanted to become a minister. During his years of service he worked with many Texas congregations and also did missionary work in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, Canada where many lifelong friendships were made. James loved many outdoor activities including snow skiing, fishing and hiking. Favorite hikes include the Havasupai/Havasu Falls, which he did several times and he was especially proud of the "Rim to Rim" hike in the Grand Canyon.

James was called "Dad" by his four children and affectionately called "Grumpy" by eight grandsons, one granddaughter, and eleven great-grandchildren.

James is remembered for his patience and willingness to help anyone. He and Wanda ministered to countless individuals and families through the years whether it was sharing money, food or sitting in hospitals with ones who needed their love and support.

James was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2010 and even with this he remained positive and continued to serve the Lord however he could.

James was a talented Steel Guitar player and enjoyed playing with his father and The Country Playboys at the Woodbury Grand Ole Opera.

In 2024 James moved into Wesley Woods in Hewitt, TX where he continued serving the Lord by visiting and praying with other residents and conducting a weekly church service on Sundays. The family wants to thank Wesley Woods for the love and care they showed James.

Preceding James in death was his wife Wanda, parents Raymond and Myrle Burns, sister Dorothy Johnson and husband Weldon. Survivors include his four children Judy Burns, Kenneth Burns, Carla Downes and husband Greg, and Robert Burns and wife Heather, grandchildren Michael Burns, Matthew Burns, Kevin Burns, Will Pennington, Dan Pennington, Matt Pennington, Austin Talkington, Maggie Talkington and Cayman Burns, and eleven great grandkids. The grandkids will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 10th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Mountain Valley Funeral Home in Joshua, TX.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 11th at 11:00 am at the Burleson Church of Christ. Karl Jones will officiate.

Burial will at 3:00 pm at the Peoria Cemetery, Peoria, TX.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Eastern European Missions: PO Box 55245, Hurst, TX 76054 or

Sunset International Bible Institute: 3723 34th St., Lubbock, TX 79410 Attn: Solar Bibles Mission