Jim Perry Burns was born in Miller Grove, Texas on March 21, 1927. He was the eldest son of Johnnie and Virgie Johnson Burns. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Kate Lindley Burns. They married in Quitman, Texas on August 14, 1948. Other survivors include his two daughters; LaQuita Brantley and husband Mike of Rowlett, Dr. LaCheeta McPherson and husband John of Richardson; two grandsons: Eric Brantley and wife Christina of Garland, and KC McPherson of Dallas; one step grandson Scott McPherson and wife Sarah of Wiley; three granddaughters: LaNett Howell and husband Sid of Princeton, Colleen Porter and husband Bryson of Garland, and Kate McPhearson of Richardson; and six great grandchildren; one sister Peggy Rohrer of Sulphur Springs; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Keith Burns.
He was a Christian, Educator and Historian. He served as an ordained deacon for Sulphur Bluff Baptist Church, New Liberty Baptist Church in Garland, and County Line Baptist Church in Point.
He taught Sunday school and served as the Sunday school superintendent for 12 years at Sulphur Bluff Baptist Church; 17 years in Garland at New Liberty Baptist Church, and 11 years at County Line Baptist Church. He was a member of the Sulphur Bluff Masonic Lodge #246 over 65 years and the Eastern Star for 64 years. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason. He taught school for 35 years, in which 12 years were spent at Sulphur Bluff and 23 years in Garland ISD. Jim spent over 60 years researching the Miller Grove School and Cemetery, Miller Grove Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Churches plus the County Line community.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015. Visitation will begin at 10 am at the Miller Grove Methodist Church followed by a memorial service at 11 am.
The Burn’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the County Line Baptist Church Building Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
