SPARTA – William James "Jim" Burns, 85, of Sparta, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Randolph County Care Center, Sparta, IL.

Jim was born in Sparta, IL, on April 19, 1937, the son of Miller and Nola (McCauley) Burns.  He married Jeanette Owens on February 26, 1960, in Sparta, IL. Jim was a Veteran from the U.S. Army Reserves, serving from 1956 to 1963.  He retired from World Color Press, Dyersburg, TN, after 40 years of employment, and also worked on the family farm when time allowed. Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sparta, IL, Lions Club, Sparta, IL, Moose Lodge, Dyersburg, TN, and the Sparta Fire Department. He dearly loved and cherished his granddaughters.

Surviving is his wife, Jeanette Burns, of Sparta, IL, his son, Brian (Pam) Burns of Sparta, IL, his granddaughters, Anita and Abbey Burns, his brother, Sherwood Burns of Sparta, IL, his sister, Maxine Powell of Tampa, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Thelma Campbell, Cecilia Ross, and one brother, Prentice Burns.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL, with Rev. Randy McGeehon officiating.  Memorials may be given to the Sparta Lions Club or First United Methodist Church, Sparta, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL, 62288.