James Frank Burns

James Frank Burns, age 85, a longtime resident of Santa Fe, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his residence, after an extended illness.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Adkison Cemetery with Tommy MacArthur and Rick Points officiating. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on April 11, 1940, in Santa Fe, Tennessee James was the son of the late Malcolm Emmit Burns and the late Willie Irene Brady Burns. He had a curious mind and a gentle spirit, enjoying time spent working jigsaw puzzles, reading history books, traveling, gardening, feeding stray cats, and relaxing on the beach balcony. Above all, he was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his children, Troy Frank Burns of Thompsons Station, Virginia Rebecca Burns (Chris) Gibson of Hohenwald, James Michael Burns of Santa Fe, grandchildren, Ava Grace Burns of Thompsons Station, Bryce Burns of Thompsons Station, Malcolm Graham (Alicia) Gibson of Spring Hill, Luke Garrett Gibson of Hohenwald, Anna Claire Gibson of Hohenwald, Destiney Michele Burns (Jason) Gonzales of Lake Worth Beach, FL, Faith Ann Burns (Blake) Watkins of Columbia, great grandchildren, David Dodgion of Spring Hill, Samuel Dodgion of Spring Hill, Amelia Rae Gibson of Spring Hill, Jason Gonzales of Lakeworth Beach, FL, Shelby Gonzales of Lakeworth Beach, FL, life partner, Joanne Irwin of Nashville, special friends, Tommy & Vicki McArthur and Steve & Taylor Irwin.

He is also survived by the mother of his children, Evelyn Faye Spears Burns of Santa Fe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Willie Howard Burns, Robert Cleve Burns, and grandparents, Anna Catherine Stanfill & George Brady, Manila Jane Sparkman & Robert Henry Burns.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Maynard, Dr. Thompson, and the nursing staff at Centennial Medical Center and Sarah Cannon Hospital.