James Robert Burns (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James Robert Burns, son of James Fay and Violet Mills Burns, was born October 5, 1933, near Long Lane, Missouri. He departed this life Friday, July 13, 2018, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-four years, nine months, and eight days.
Early in his life he was united in marriage to Neva Loretta McKelvey, and to this union two daughters were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife Neva, on May 19, 2016.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Tammy Volner, and her husband, Bobby, of Springfield, Missouri, and Pam McGuire, and her husband, Dale, of Lebanon, Missouri; three grandchildren, Cody McGuire, Zack Volner and Shana Volner; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Long Lane community, and then moved into Lebanon where he graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1951. He then entered the military as a young man and served his country faithfully in the United States Air Force from 1953 until 1957. He worked as an aircraft mechanic and was stationed in England and Germany during his years of service. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he returned to Lebanon and then moved to Springfield. Once he and Neva were married, they made their home in Springfield and lovingly raised their daughters. Jim owned a gas station for a time and then, after completing refrigeration school, worked for Springfield Refrigeration for a number of years. He later completed a training course and worked for the Paul Mueller Company for several years.
In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where he liked fishing, hunting, and camping. He also enjoyed going to auctions and garage sales. He was a man of many talents and possessed a great personality. He was an extraordinary man, with a very positive attitude, and never said anything negative about anyone. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren.
James was a loving father, grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his eighty-four years.
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