HICKORY - James Colon (Jim) Burns, 79, of Hickory, died peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at Catawba Regional Hospice of Catawba County, surrounded by his family. Mr. Burns was preceded by his parents, Raymond Colon and Johnsie Childers Burns of Hildebran, and a daughter, Ramona Gayle B. Frye. Mr. Burns is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Fisher Burns of Hickory, one son, James Colon Burns II (Kim) of Hickory, and six grandchildren: James Colon Burns, III (Jamie), Jacob Christopher Burns, and Joshua Alan Burns, all of Hickory, and April Kristine Frye of Oregon, Larry Anthony Frye of Catawba, and James Edward Frye of Durham. Also surviving are two sisters, Phyllis B. Yost (Bill) of Granite Falls and Ramona B. Sanders (J.C.) of Shelby, and brother, Joel D. Burns (Donna) of Hildebran; son-in-law, Tony Frye. He also leaves behind a number of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and special friend, Harold “Buck” King.
Mr. Burns was born September 15, 1934 in Burke County, NC. He was a 1952 graduate of Hildebran High School. Jim was a United States Army veteran. He worked for the United States Post Office from 1967 until retirement in 1992. In 1993 he was employed by Catawba County Schools, retiring in 2011. For more than 40 years, he was a referee for college, high school, middle school, and recreational league football, basketball, baseball, and softball. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Hildebran. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 3:00 P. M. at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Harry Griffin and Rev. Ronald Arndt. The family will remain at Hickory Funeral Home after the service. Memorials may be made to Faith E & R Church, 204 19th. Ave., SW, Hickory, NC 28602 or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 220, Hildebran, N C,. 28637. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com.
Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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