James Burns

Palmetto - James Hoyle Cotton Burns, 76, died Monday, December 1, 2008, at his home in the Palmetto Community after a sudden illness. A Saltillo native, he was born August 20, 1932 to James Clyde and Willie Towry Burns. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and later served four years in the Air Force. He worked for Barber's Milk Company for over 20 years and later retired with the Mississippi Department of Transportation. He lived over 50 years in the Palmetto Community. A man who believed in the value of hard work, he also raised dairy cattle on the family farm for many years. He was a member of the Baptist church.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Dr. Forrest Sheffield and Rev. David Langerfeld officiating. Kathy Burns, a close family friend, will offer a special prayer. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jane Thomas Burns of the Palmetto Community; one brother, Billy Burns of Verona; one sister, Sarah Shackelford of Saltillo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Helen Danovsky and Virginia Christian.

Visitation will be noon until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering through Harrisburg Baptist Church, 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo MS 38801 or any local Southern Baptist Church.