James Richard Burns

James Richard Burns, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was called home on Thursday, September 19, 2013.Funeral Service: 11 am Monday, Sept. 23 at White's Funeral Chapel in Springtown. Interment: Cottondale Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 6 pm, Sunday at the funeral home.James was born on March 4, 1935 to Earl and Clara Burns. James was proud to have grown up on a small family farm in Cottondale where he spent many cherished days working alongside his father. On January 12, 1958 he married Shirley Ann Hartman, and together they had three beautiful daughters.James was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Springtown. He enjoyed time spent serving and working with the youth. James was also an active member of his community, serving as a city councilman.James was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Clara Burns, and his brother, Earl Estes Burns, Jr.James is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Shirley Burns; daughters, Susan Ingram and husband, Mike, Debbie Burns, Tammie Bates and husband, Les; grandchildren, Ashley Johnston and husband, Jessey, Lindsey Fletcher and husband, Cody; great-grandchildren, Mia, Cash, and Crosby Fletcher, and Emersyn Johnston; sisters, Doris Smith and husband, Travis, Barbara Renz and husband, Rick; many cherished nieces and nephews' and a host of lifelong friends.