Jim Burns

Jim Burns 79, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023 at his residence in Plano Texas, after a 17 year long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jim was born on January 3, 1944 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Ed and Florence (Fritz) Burns. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School where he exceled at multiple sports.  He continued his education at the University of Dubuque earning a Bachelor of Science while lettering in varsity basketball.

Jim grew up in Dubuque, Iowa where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors.  He spent countless hours with his father and friends fishing and duck hunting the Mississippi River basin and pheasant hunting the corn fields.

Upon graduation from college, Jim married Sandy Gantenbein of Dubuque, Iowa.  Jim and Sandy remained married the rest of his life.   He was passionate about his family.  He supported and developed his children and grandchildren’s growth in sports providing teaching, coaching, and attending every event possible.  He enjoyed following professional and college sports and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.  He shared his passion for the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, and friends.   He always had an open invitation for friends and family to join the weekend fishing trips.  Over the years, he experienced considerable success in fishing tournaments, winning events with both his sons and his brother-in-law, Dick Gantenbein.

Most people remember Jim for his sense of humor, consistent smile, and positive outlook even in difficult situations.  The Parkinson’s diagnosis was a difficult challenge that he met with nothing but positivity, never once complaining but rather attacking it the best he could every day and always with a joke and a smile.

Jim had a long, successful career with Procter and Gamble as an executive and sales manager.  Thereafter, he fulfilled a life-long dream of opening is own marketing firm which he operated until he retired.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandy Burns; his sons, Rob (Kathy) Burns of Plano, Texas, and Mike (Nancy) Burns of Lucas, Texas; his grandchildren, Matthew, Samantha, Alexandra and Benjamin; his sisters Betty (Ray) Buol of Grovetown, Georgia, Marianne Avery of Dubuque, Iowa; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Carol Gantenbein of LeClaire, Iowa, Melody Gantenbein of Richland Hills, Texas, Geri (Ernie) Gerlach of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Nancy (Chip) Bliss of Dubuque, Iowa, and Judy Gantenbein of Dubuque, Iowa; and many nephews and nieces.

As per Jim’s wishes, the family held a very small private celebration of his life.  In lieu of flowers or donations, the family would encourage everyone to take a friend or family member fishing, hunting, golfing, attend a ball game, or just spend quality time with a loved one.