/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/1568/529029/9BTSzBoNkMRSvrMpIMG_8657.jpeg)
Obituary For MR. JAMES L. BURNS
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.
Send flowers to the service of MR. JAMES L. BURNS
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Deedi Brown sent Gracious Lavender Basket for MR. JAMES L. BURNS - April 01, 2026
We send our love and prayers to James's family. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Praying for strength at this most difficult time. You have our deepest condolences.
Condolences to the family. Praying for comfort and peace. 🙏🏾
/religious/cross-bible.jpg)
To Burns family sending my condolences and love.
Uncle James i know that i didnt see you like that but i am going to miss you and i will always love you make sure you kiss Aunt Ann and Aunt Odessa for me love you always and forever Your Niece Ikoria (Coke)
Sharing in your sadness and holding everyone close in our thoughts. May you find strength in the memories of your beloved and peace knowing he will always be with you. Rodney & Priscilla Reid
On behalf of Myself and the staff of the Anson County Sheriff's Office, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected by this loss. We stand with our community in offering comfort, strength, and support, and we hope you find peace in the memories you shared and the love that surrounds you.
He Was My Classmate. I've Known Him All My Life. My Condolences To The Family. I Pray That GOD Will Continue To Bless You All..😒🙏❤️
/religious/fish.jpg)
My deepest condolences and prayers. Mr. Burns is a kind many and always made me feel welcome. Sending my love always.
Our Sincere Condolences to The Burns Family. We pray God's Strength Peace and Comfort will surround you at this most difficult time.
My condolences to the family. I was saddened to hear of the loss of your loved one. I've known James for several years, and he was always a kind and warm spirited man. He will truly be missed. May God bless and comfort you, now and the days ahead.
My condolences to the family. I was saddened to hear of the loss of your loved one. I've known James for several years, and he was always a kind and warm spirited man. He will truly be missed. May God bless and comfort you, now and the days ahead.
My sincere condolences and prayers for the entire Burns Family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
You will be missed my friend. My condolences to the family. 🙏🏾❤️
Praying for the family
Sincere condolences to the family
Praying for the family, sorry for your loss.
/religious/dove.jpg)
My condolences to the family praying RIP cuz you will be truly missed
So Sorry for your loss.
my condolences to the family
We are praying for entire family. May God continue to strengthen you in this season. Caleb & Catherine Sturdivant & family
Condolence to the burns family.
Janet and Family, we are so sorry to hear of passing of James! We both worked with James for so many years. He was such a gentle and sweet soul and the same every time we ever saw him, always hard worker! May God bless you and your family and may He continue to keep all of you in His Loving care.
So Sorry for your loss.
🙏🏽🙏🏽
Prayers and condolences to the Burns family in your time of bereavement with love ❤️
Keeping the family in thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
