Mr. James Louis Burns was born in Wadesboro, NC to James Burns and Annie Louise Watson Burns on October 24th 1955, both of whom proceeded him in death. He reunited with his Heavenly Father on March 26, 2026 in Wadesboro NC at the home of his loving sister, Janice Long.

He married Odessa Long on August 25th, 1978 with whom he spent 33 years with until her passing on February 12th, 2013. He decided many years ago to accept Jesus as his personal Savior and had a personal relationship with God.

He attended and graduated from high school in Baltimore, Maryland. He worked at Wade Mill, Wal-Mart and for the Anson County School System for many years until he retired. He was known for his singing, humor, and for being a loving father, brother, uncle and friend.

He is proceeded in death by his sisters: Maxine Dillard and Paulette Whitfield; brothers-in-law, Johnny Jackson, Eric “Rick” Long, and Albert White and sister-in-law, Margaret Colson.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: two daughters, Michelle N. Burns (Sabrina) of Dallas, Texas and Tai J. Cox of Clayton, NC; two granddaughters, A’Nya S. Cox and Madison B. Cox of Clayton, NC; two grandsons, Darius L. Cox and David L. Cox Jr. of Clayton, NC; four siblings, Janice Long of Wadesboro, NC, Claretta Jackson of Wadesboro, NC, Jamiedre Thomas (Eddie) of Fayetteville, NC and Todd Burns of Fayetteville, NC.

Eleven nephews: Jason Jackson (Ashley) of Monroe, NC, Jordan Long (Eva) of Winston Salem, NC, Eddie Thomas III of Fayetteville, NC, Ramzi Thomas and Ben-tzon Thomas of Fayetteville, NC, John Williams (Margaret) of Augusta, Georgia, Anthony Crowder (Yolanda) of Charlotte, NC, Gerald Colson (Kim) of Rock Hill, SC, Kevin Colson of Wadesboro, NC, Chavis Young (Toshia) of Tacoma, Washington, and Leroy Sturdivant of Polkton, NC.

Eleven nieces: Sonja Williams (Hakim) of Winston Salem, NC, Tammy Wormack (Terrence) of Winston Salem, NC, Ja’Mes Burns and Katelon Thomas of Fayetteville, NC, Katrina Alsbrooks (Vernon) of Charlotte, NC, Latonya Colson of Wadesboro, NC, Cassandra Young of Charlotte, NC, Derrick Brown and Lakeithia Adams of Baltimore, Maryland, Erin Dillard of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Falish White of Augusta, Georgia.

A special grandson, Eli Shepherd. Two brothers-in-law, Larry Young of Albemarle, NC and Adolphus Colson of Wadesboro, NC. Two sisters-in-law, Barbara-Jean White (Albert) of Augusta, Georgia and Peggie Crowder of Charlotte, NC. One very special sister, Rae Davis of Morven, NC. Three very special cousins: Audrey Maxwell, Melvin Maxwell and Jackie Maxwell of Wadesboro, NC. A host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.

The Homegoing Services will be on Thursday, April 2, 2026, 2:30pm, Smith’s Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will be at Westview Memorial Park, Polkton, North Carolina.