James Arthur Burns

James “Jim” Burns, age 73, of Russell, Minnesota, died under the care of hospice on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at his residence in Russell. Memorial Services are 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment in the Russell Cemetery will be at a later date. Visitation will be held just prior to the service, from Noon – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall.

James Arthur Burns was born July 23, 1949, in Webster, South Dakota. He was the third child of Percy and Ramona Holman Burns and attended school in Webster before going on to attend Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota.

Jim was employed as a teacher for the Russell School District which is now part of RTR. He was proud to have been able to spend his entire 43-year teaching career in the same building. He taught health, physical education, and drivers’ education; and he also coached football, volleyball, baseball, and track. Jim served as Dean of Students in the middle school and also as Athletic Director for the high school. He truly enjoyed his students and the staff he worked with over those many years.

His enjoyments in life included hunting, bowling, woodworking, and following all of his favorite sports teams including the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Gophers, and RTR Knights. He also held a part-time job at the convenience store in Russell where he enjoyed visiting with members of the community and, of course, played cards with the morning coffee crew. Most of all he loved his children and was proud of the thoughtful adults they have become. Although his illnesses prevented him from spending the time he would have liked, he was also thrilled with his grandchildren and the many accomplishments they have made. Jim truly loved his family and enjoyed being with people. He was a blessing to many people's lives and will be very much missed.

Jim Burns died on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at his home in Russell with his wife and daughter by his side. He had reached the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 11 days. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Burns; sons, Nathan (and Alicia) Burns, Adam (and Jenn) Burns, Hunter (and Julia) Burns; daughter, Brooke Burns (and close friend, Colin); grandchildren, Gabe and Kya, Madison and Tyson; sister, Patty Evenson; brother, Mike (and Bonnie) Burns; sister-in-law, Joan Burns; mother-in-law, Barb Williams; brothers-in-law, Stacy (and Sarah) Stanton, Jay Williams; family dog, Sophie, who has been by his side and watched over him through all the hard days; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bruce and Jon; sisters, Nancy and Janet; and his first wife, Sharon.