James “Jim” G. Burris passed away June 3, 2015 due to Congestive Heart Failure. He was born in Adams, Massachusetts on August 25, 1939, to the late Raymond and Helen Bourquin Burris. Jim attended schools in Cheshire and Adams, Massachusetts. He served his country proudly as a Veteran of the United States Navy from 1956 – 1960 in several positions, his favorite being the U.S.S. Forrestall. Jim worked as a heavy equipment operator in Massachusetts where he was a member of I.U.O.E. Local 98. He, also, worked as a heavy equipment operator for Austin Paving in Texas. Jim was an avid reader, loved the beach and traveling the United States. He took advantage of every port the Forrestall travelled to which included, France, Greece and Italy. Jim will be greatly missed by his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann of Anna, TX; son, James Patrick of Durango, CO; daughter, Cheryl Ann Thomas of Gunter, TX; grandsons, Preston, Coby, James and Bryce; great-granddaughters, Anna and Odette; grandniece, Riley; brother, Gary and his wife Judy of Dalton, MA; sisters, Ginger and her husband Francis of Feeding Hills, MA and Nancy Rice and her husband Arthur of New Bloomfield, MO; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private memorial service has been set. At a later date, a private graveside service will be held at Cheshire Cemetery on West Mountain Road in Cheshire, MA where Jim grew up and will be brought home to rest.